Colony removal

[Saradan]

Hi Beeks

Your thoughts appreciated:-

I had a call this morning from a Pest Management company who'd been called to a swarm at a local engineering factory.

By the time they had arrived on site the swarm had decided to take up residence in a hollow metal gatepost.

Now from the info I'd been given I forwarned the company that it would not be a simple operation to remove the colony and that it might not have a happy outcome.

I've been to have a look this evening and unfortunately I think my initial thoughts were correct.

I've hopefully attached a link to an image - the metal post is approx 8 feet tall and a 12 inch square. You can just make out a small cluster of bees around a small 'entrance' hole just above the top hinge.

The post is essentially a welded metal box with no access in apart from the bees' 3/4" entrance hole. The post is located by the main access to the factory for workers and delivery vehicles.

My intention is to call the company back tomorrow to say it will not be realistic to attempt relocation.

Suggestions welcome if anyone thinks otherwise..

Regards

Tony

 

[beeatshellards]

cant find the link but it would be helpful! TRY PUTTING A SKEP ON TOP OF THE POST ,AND SMOKING THE BEES THEY MIGHT BE TEMPTED TO MOVE UP INTO IT

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Skep on top - drill a small hole in bottom of post then loads of smoke
you've got nothing to lose and it might save the bees' life

 

[Bees Plus]

Which is more useful?
No bees
No queen
No removal fee?

I would consider a one way hive exit cone and a collection box.

 

[Saradan]

Hopefully this link will work:-

http://www.flickr.com/photos/saradan/5853871112/


Regards


Tony

 

[beeatshellards]

GREAT THE LINK WORKS, TRY AS ABOVE BNOTHING TO LOOSE GOOD LUCK

 

[Midland Beek]

Take them a big sign: CAUTION. WILD BEE NEST. KEEP CLEAR OF GATEPOST AND DO NOT DISTURB.

 

[iombeeman]

try the skep and lots of smoke,as well as banging at the bottom to drive them out.do it soon before they have brood.

 

[Chris Luck]

I agree, loads of smoke and they should come out and quite possibly swarm again to somewhere nearby...

....patience, it may take a bit of time, if you can start at about 10am to 10.30am you stand a good chance of a result around midday / early pm.

Chris

 

[wightbees]

I can't tell by the pic.But could you not use a Bee Vac box ?
Maybe get a bigger hole drilled and away you go.

 

[Andre cardona]

lots of smoke and banging will do the job skep on to or hive to march in to

 

[oliver90owner]

Benzaldehyde into the bottom of the cavity might drive them out to be captured as they exit.

RAB