how to move a WBC hive

[Hivemaker.]

She wanted me to come back and I wanted that too - but sometimes life and responsibilities outweigh the beckonings of beekeeping Shangri-la.

Was this before you met Steve

 

[BBG]

Was this before you met Steve

No, he did come back!

 

[Andy Coleman]

I moved mine in late Feb, about 1 mile, with no problems. Pretty much as you say - took off the lifts, used gaffer tape to seal up entrance and brood boxes, crown board. And straps round the whole lot and under the floor. The foam pieces I use for nucs/ national were no use for WBC floor, tape was fine. It was a bit cumbersome with the floor and legs, so it took two of us. I was worried it was only 1 mile, they were flying a little - & read somewhere about putting some obstruction close to the entrance on the new site which is said to encourage them to re-orientate - I used a branch off a fir sapling stuck in he ground a foot or so away. No idea if it did anything, but they did fine in the Spring, and no sign of any returns to the orignial site!

 

[BBG]

Well done, grass stuffed in the entrance works too, as the grass wilts the bees move it. If you catch them doing so it is a good thing to see how urgent and determined they are about it.

 

[newbie]

all safe and sound...the bees have been flying the last few warm days and all found their way home ok, pollen coming in too !

 

[milkermel]

I ended up moving a wbc in early october when still over 3 brood boxes (they didnt have supers at that point) Single handed and needed to be done before i went away as owners were moving house - ended up spliting hive down and topping and bottoming each box with wood framed wire Qx to act as ventilated lids - to stop them escaping I streched asda cheepy tights over them and strapped them up. worked a treat, Yes i did recieve a few stings, but that was mainly from the straglers in the last box to move when the queen was already in her new location. Wish i had been able to wait until the winter, but. . .

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Ito stop them escaping I streched asda cheepy tights over them and strapped them up. worked a treat, Yes i did recieve a few stings, .

Serves you right Recycling is one thing but as they were Asda cheapies you shouldn't have been so mean and worn the tights afterwards!