Rosti
Drone Bee
- Joined
- Jul 29, 2009
- Messages
- 1,755
- Reaction score
- 14
- Location
- North Yorks, UK
- Hive Type
- 14x12
- Number of Hives
- 4
Have just been contacted by the MOD in York (I'm on the swarm list - for summer that is not Xmas!). They have a nest in a residential property that has just been discovered and want it removed. Local pest control suggested to check with a beek. They must be removed - cant wait 'till spring (I am told).
Can you guys think of any way that a colony could be saved and moved to new quarters at this time of year?
I have not done a site visit yet because I wanted post removal options clear in my own mind first.
If I was able to get them into a brood box / nuc (depends on salvageable size) and cut & wired their foundation into some frames at the same time (inside the building they are currently in to avoid chilling), waiting till the stragglers joined the queen, blocked up, transported. Then set them up with some fondant and left them blocked for a good couple of weeks; what do you think their chances are?
Certainly those chances are better than a saucer of petrol - which is what they'll be getting if the pest contractor gets his way.
Thoughts and prompt responses much appreciated. I'll have to move on this today 23-12 if I am to save them. Cheers, R
Can you guys think of any way that a colony could be saved and moved to new quarters at this time of year?
I have not done a site visit yet because I wanted post removal options clear in my own mind first.
If I was able to get them into a brood box / nuc (depends on salvageable size) and cut & wired their foundation into some frames at the same time (inside the building they are currently in to avoid chilling), waiting till the stragglers joined the queen, blocked up, transported. Then set them up with some fondant and left them blocked for a good couple of weeks; what do you think their chances are?
Certainly those chances are better than a saucer of petrol - which is what they'll be getting if the pest contractor gets his way.
Thoughts and prompt responses much appreciated. I'll have to move on this today 23-12 if I am to save them. Cheers, R