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Author Topic: -HUGE- Bee Tree Trap-Out  (Read 7244 times)

Offline NWIN Beekeeper

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-HUGE- Bee Tree Trap-Out
« on: July 29, 2008, 06:34:19 pm »
A local city is puting in a water park.
To make space they bulldozed a large maple tree.
After rolling it around on the ground a couple dozen time the angry bees made it out.

Now they need someone to "deal with the bees".

So I told them I need:
1. Their large chain saw
2. A Payloader
3. A Large Dump Truck
4. Compensation for my time.

- All Agreed -

So tomorrow at 7:00 am I am going to section the tree and get it loaded for home.
Once at home, I plan to document (photograph) the process of a tree trap-out.
This will be one of two that I will do concurrently.
I am very seriously considering a digital video recorder for the whole process too.
I'd like to see when the queen actually absconds and how she acts.
It would be curious to see if she has an exiting committee and how big.
We'll see, first I have to get it here and set up (like the other one).

What maybe of other interest is that this 'might' be more than one colony in this new tree.

PS> Dallas thinks I should get a logging truck and do migratory beekeeping in 'gums'.
That's not real legal though.
There is nothing new under the sun. Only your perspective changes to see it anew.

Offline Kathyp

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Re: -HUGE- Bee Tree Trap-Out
« Reply #1 on: July 29, 2008, 07:49:05 pm »
you may not, probably will not, get the queen out.  can you cut the section and get the whole hive?  you'll have a better chance of getting the queen and saving an intact hive.
Someone really ought to tell them that the world of Ayn Rand?s novel was not meant to be aspirational.

Offline JP

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Re: -HUGE- Bee Tree Trap-Out
« Reply #2 on: July 30, 2008, 12:28:47 am »
Jeff, if the tree stays on the ground long enough in a horizontal position the bees will more than likely abscond, good luck with the project and post some pics.


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Offline NWIN Beekeeper

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Re: -HUGE- Bee Tree Trap-Out
« Reply #3 on: July 30, 2008, 03:44:31 am »
[.. if the tree stays ...in a horizontal position the bees will ...likely abscond.]

I realize this, and so I am going to try to keep it up right.
Its size will make this difficult.

The old bee tree gum is stood and tied to another tree with a wide ratchet strap.
So I know I will have at least one standing example.

[..you may not, probably will not, get the queen out. ]

This is one theory that I am testing and documenting.
I disagree. I think she will come out, now capturing her may be another story.

[...can you cut the section and get the whole hive?]

You bet, I have rights to cut any or all of the tree.
I think there may even be two colonies in the same tree!
I won't know until I have them in a workable location.
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Offline Robo

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Re: -HUGE- Bee Tree Trap-Out
« Reply #4 on: July 30, 2008, 09:34:51 am »

[..you may not, probably will not, get the queen out. ]

This is one theory that I am testing and documenting.
I disagree. I think she will come out, now capturing her may be another story.



I'm interested in seeing how you make out as well.  A lot depends on the method.  If your going to just super on the top and let them work there way out of the tree, your chances are much higher.  If you using a screened funnel on the exit, it is a different story.   Every time I have tried a screen trap out without using a lure queen or giving them brood to raise a queen,  I've ended up with a laying worker.

I'd also be interested in hearing your rationale of why you think she will leave.
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it comes dressed in overalls and looks like work." - Thomas Edison



Offline NWIN Beekeeper

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Re: -HUGE- Bee Tree Trap-Out
« Reply #5 on: July 30, 2008, 10:55:48 am »
[I'd also be interested in hearing your rationale of why you think she will leave.]

Because I am going to hire some designers to put some pretty curtains in some brood boxes.
How could she ever resist?

Its just silly you would even ask.
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Offline JP

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Re: -HUGE- Bee Tree Trap-Out
« Reply #6 on: July 30, 2008, 11:00:59 am »
Jeff, I always thought you were really a blonde, natural?


...JP
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Offline Robo

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Re: -HUGE- Bee Tree Trap-Out
« Reply #7 on: July 30, 2008, 11:06:59 am »
Its just silly you would even ask.
Since I have tried many methods unsuccessfully, I thought you may have had a method in mind to lure her out.


OK, I guess I'm done trying to have rational discussions with you.... regards



"Opportunity is missed by most people because it comes dressed in overalls and looks like work." - Thomas Edison



Offline NWIN Beekeeper

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Re: -HUGE- Bee Tree Trap-Out
« Reply #8 on: July 30, 2008, 01:03:26 pm »
Rob, relax.

I'm not trying to ruffle your feathers!

I have been re-thinking my time-line and a trap out might complete too late in the season.

I am considering alternatives, and will decide in the next day what I plan to do.
I would like to do the video idea, but it may not be practical or in the bees best interest.

Email your address, I'll mail you a few cold beers to enjoy the afternoon.

-Jeff
There is nothing new under the sun. Only your perspective changes to see it anew.

Offline Wes Sapp

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Re: -HUGE- Bee Tree Trap-Out
« Reply #9 on: July 30, 2008, 03:35:38 pm »
"Email your address, I'll mail you a few cold beers to enjoy the afternoon."
I'm feeling a little ruffled myself. :-D
Wes Sapp

Offline NWIN Beekeeper

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Re: -HUGE- Bee Tree Trap-Out
« Reply #10 on: July 30, 2008, 07:07:44 pm »
Go buy your own beer you goof... I'm not watering the whole forum membership!  :mrgreen:
There is nothing new under the sun. Only your perspective changes to see it anew.

 

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