How should I destroy a swarm

[MikeT]

I have been unsuccessful it getting a swarm out of a listed cottage's roof. I have tried baited hive with pheromone lure, without lure, with frames of crystallized honey. I have used 2 smokers which filled the dorma roof with smoke, it poured out of every crack but again no luck, (Just to but Oliver90Owner mind at rest - no fire in roof). I could see the cluster through a small hole between the rafters earlier in the week but now I can only hear the colony. I thought there may be a possibility of vacuuming them out, but the hole is too small for the suction pipe.

I have confirmed they are not my bees, and likely to have originated from an ash tree in the woods near to the cottage.

The lady who lives in the cottage carries an Epipen, so now its a case of destroying the bees for her safety, as it will be impossible to get access to the colony.

What should I use to destroy them? This is the last resort as I can see no other way and I will hate doing this.

Mike

 

[user 6228]

I have been unsuccessful it getting a swarm out of a listed cottage's roof. I have tried baited hive with pheromone lure, without lure, with frames of crystallized honey. I have used 2 smokers which filled the dorma roof with smoke, it poured out of every crack but again no luck, (Just to but Oliver90Owner mind at rest - no fire in roof). I could see the cluster through a small hole between the rafters earlier in the week but now I can only hear the colony. I thought there may be a possibility of vacuuming them out, but the hole is too small for the suction pipe.

I have confirmed they are not my bees, and likely to have originated from an ash tree in the woods near to the cottage.

The lady who lives in the cottage carries an Epipen, so now its a case of destroying the bees for her safety, as it will be impossible to get access to the colony.

What should I use to destroy them? This is the last resort as I can see no other way and I will hate doing this.

Mike

flood the space with nitrogen, argon or CO2... not flammable, leaves no smell, stain, poisonous residue or contamination, but you will need to take caution that it doesnt kill you and there is still the issue of the dead bees and the remaining stores and wax.

 

[dexter's shed]

this is the reason most pest controllers walk away, killing is easy enough, but can you be 100% certain that you can seal up every access point to the wax/honey ????? doubtful on a thatched roof thats listed

no one could honestly say yes, and two pest controllers ended up in court charged with killing off a commercial business apiary, because bees got in to a sealed cavity to steal honey, picked up insecticide and killed all their own hives, cost the pesties thousands

 

[B+.]

The lady who lives in the cottage carries an Epipen, so now its a case of destroying the bees for her safety, as it will be impossible to get access to the colony.

What should I use to destroy them? This is the last resort as I can see no other way and I will hate doing this.

Expanding foam wasp nest destroyer from Rentokill (Black and yellow can). It is intended for wasps but will kill a honeybee colony too. As usual, wait until after dusk so foragers have returned and you get them all together.

 

[Chris B]

You don't have to do it and shouldn't. It's what professional pest controllers are for. A bodge job will do nobody any favours.

 

[Tremyfro]

Have you tried Beequick.....bees hate it.....or spraying with olbas oil? That might make them leave?
You could vapourize the olbas oil with a sublimator....within the area they are occupying.

 

[Dishmop]

Walk away Mike.

Not easy to do but you tried.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Walk away Mike.

Not easy to do but you tried.

I'm dreading responding to a request I've had yesterday - bees in a chapel in the town centre. Leave it to the professionals - could cause you and your bees grief otherwise

 

[Dishmop]

I'm dreading responding to a request I've had yesterday - bees in a chapel in the town centre. Leave it to the professionals - could cause you and your bees grief otherwise

are you sure it not the worry of being converted?

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

are you sure it not the worry of being converted?

No, they're one of the old happy clappy lot - I'll stick to my old chapel

 

[dexter's shed]

You don't have to do it and shouldn't. It's what professional pest controllers are for. A bodge job will do nobody any favours.

but bees are not on the pest species list, so most professionals won't touch it for my reason above

 

[dn170221]

Is a "trap out" out of the question?

 

[Hebeegeebee]

I think I would be inclined to politely walk away "I'm sorry, I can't get them" and suggest a pest-controller is called in. With experience and - insurance cover.

 

[MikeT]

No need to kill the bees they have come out of the roof and are on a fence post. Have strapped my bait hive to the fence over the swarm and they are slowly walking in. Must have been the smoke of yesterday.

Mike

 

[Tremyfro]

Fantastic...well done! I am so glad the bees are safe and you will be able to home them.

 

[Jed D]

Top man Mike....

 

[Jeff Buzz]

Well done Mike

 

[Dishmop]

No need to kill the bees they have come out of the roof and are on a fence post. Have strapped my bait hive to the fence over the swarm and they are slowly walking in. Must have been the smoke of yesterday.

Mike

I sent them a text that they were in danger...

 

[alldigging]

So the roof space will need sealing up properly.

 

[For want of a better word]

Have you tried Beequick.....bees hate it.....or spraying with olbas oil? That might make them leave?
You could vapourize the olbas oil with a sublimator....within the area they are occupying.

Walk away... varroa + virus will kill them off in a couple of seasons!

JBM... Remember my gran telling a tale of bees living happily under the corrugated iron roof in their Primative Methodist Chapel... if it rained they just sang louder ( the congregation.. not the bees!)

Strange thing... I thought she was a Baptist!!

Yeghes da


There are many other religions too.. always follow the instructions on the packet