Cut-out

[itma]

...
I want to leave the boxed bees close to their chosen site for a couple of days but not sure how close I can get it. Any ideas on the furthest distance I could leave the box away from the original site or or is it the old 3ft rule?

If you are hoping that returning bees will find the colony entrance, then yes that is about the distance you can move the entrance.
However, with the entrance being a gap in the slates ...
During swarm collection, you'd perfume the old site with something, and rely on the Nasonov fanners to call in the stragglers. I'd guess you might do something similar if you left your box in the room directly under where the wild combs had been before you cut them away.
But I would actually suggest that getting the largest possible number of bees off-site, as quickly as possible (end of Day 1?) has to be the simplest route to completion.
Don't forget that "swarm lures" like lemongrass will help attract any stragglers into your bait hive ...

 

[Stiffy]

If you are hoping that returning bees will find the colony entrance, then yes that is about the distance you can move the entrance.
However, with the entrance being a gap in the slates ...
During swarm collection, you'd perfume the old site with something, and rely on the Nasonov fanners to call in the stragglers. I'd guess you might do something similar if you left your box in the room directly under where the wild combs had been before you cut them away.
But I would actually suggest that getting the largest possible number of bees off-site, as quickly as possible (end of Day 1?) has to be the simplest route to completion.
Don't forget that "swarm lures" like lemongrass will help attract any stragglers into your bait hive ...

Many thanks for replies. I think I will try and get as many bees off site on day one, seal up old site and leave a box with lemon grass at entrance for stragglers.
First though I need to have another chat with the farmer and explain that there is likely to be quite a few pixxed off bees around his farmhouse for a few hours afterwards. I am concerned that his animals may get attacked, plus he parks his cars very close to the dormer.
I understand that when the swarm arrived he called the local beekeeping group and spoke to someone who was going to collect the swarm, they never arrived or called back. He did try to call them again and left his telephone number on an answer machine, he never had any further contact. This is very poor form in my view, even if they couldn't get there or didn't want the bees it doesn't take much to let someone know?
S

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[beeno]

I agree Stiffy, that is bad form. As a matter of interest was the swarm already in the dormer at that stage?

 

[Stiffy]

I agree Stiffy, that is bad form. As a matter of interest was the swarm already in the dormer at that stage?

No, the swarm was hanging from the roof and could have easily been captured. Although the dormer needs some repair the farmer now has to go to a lot of trouble to save them.
I will do my best to hopefully not cause him anymore hassle, bet it goes txxs up at some point !
S

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[Stiffy]

Well despite spending nearly all day trying to cut-out bees from the dormer, I had to admit defeat in the end. We cut away the lathe and plaster ceiling to reveal the combs which were then cut-out, banded and put in a brood box. The bees however retreated high up into the roof and between the slates and lathe of the dormer and couldn't be shifted.
We eventually replaced the ceiling with a piece of plaster board and I think the only solution is a cup of petrol and seal
S

 

[beeno]

Win some lose some. At least you tried. Annoyed that the beek did not turn up when arranged all this could have been avoided. One of my neighbours thought he was clever and waited for the bees to disburse. Oh yes, ended up in his cavity wall! Not mine I hasten to add.

 

[itma]

Well despite spending nearly all day trying to cut-out bees from the dormer, I had to admit defeat in the end. We cut away the lathe and plaster ceiling to reveal the combs which were then cut-out, banded and put in a brood box. The bees however retreated high up into the roof and between the slates and lathe of the dormer and couldn't be shifted.
We eventually replaced the ceiling with a piece of plaster board and I think the only solution is a cup of petrol and seal
S

What about a bee vacuum?

 

[Stiffy]

Thought of that but there wouldn't be enough room between timbers to get hose into reach them
S

 

[itma]

Thought of that but there wouldn't be enough room between timbers to get hose into reach them
S

Aaah, but you can bodge on a bit of thinner (plumbing?) pipe onto the end of the hose ... !

 

[Stiffy]

Might try it but the farmer spent most of the day 'helping' and I am not sure his patience will run to it! I didn't ask him to stay and he was fine but did mention a few times about a good day wasted.
S