Swarm much too high to remove, but not good place to leave

[isc26]

What about tanging to bring them down, some say it works,

 

[Polyanwood]

Question for the OP: Does the block have a flat roof? Is there access to it? Could a bait hive/nuc be placed on it?

No flat roof. I put bait hive on the only balcony on the other side of the building. I think swarm is 60' up as there is a basement bit and an attic bit and the swarm is at the highest point. When I looked at it I thought that I had never seen a ladder that would be long enough.

Very useful information and views all. Thanks. I will pass on as I think the nice young woman who wants them moved may be more successful than a crusty old beekeeper in securing assistance from the fire fighters.

Anyone hazzard a guess about whether they will go or stay now? They've been there 5 days now. Weather in London is supposed to be 17C max today, but is has been cool and grey all day - maybe 12C, and lots of rain promised over the weekend.

 

[itma]

Maybe worth checking whether the building has a Landlord or Manager who should be responsible for handling such events, particularly if affecting more than one resident. And its perfectly possible that he would have some form of insurance covering this.

 

[madasafish]

The OP said "
It is not a great place as if bits of comb fall they will fall on residents going in and out of the building"


I personally would not get involved at all with any attempt to remove them .

Why? Because if there is a risk to passersby or residents now, think how much greater it will be when removing the swarm.

If there is risk to residents or anyone , it is the landlord's responsibility.

And if you do any work without the landlord's express permission - in writing and absolving you for any injury or damage caused - the landlord can sue you. Or threaten to do so.

 

[SixFooter]

You could learn to abseil. B&M sell what looks like a climbing rope for £3.99.
If they are on the outside of the building, they wont stay there. Will they?

 

[SixFooter]

Only joking btw.

 

[Hebeegeebee]

I like the fire fighters helping idea, but have never heard them rescuing swarms, only kittens.

Bees are worth more than kittens!

 

[drstitson]

"Can't remember anybody ever being killed by a piece of falling honeycomb!
"

no but the guy on the Jimmy's Farm Jimmy goes after Muswell Metro's Bees in India got quite a knock on the head and looked quite dazed afterwards.

 

[madasafish]

"Can't remember anybody ever being killed by a piece of falling honeycomb!
"

no but the guy on the Jimmy's Farm Jimmy goes after Muswell Metro's Bees in India got quite a knock on the head and looked quite dazed afterwards.

All it needs is a piece of honeycomb plus honey to land on the pavement, someone to slip on the mess...

Any Risk Assessment would say "too many dangerous possibilities" for an amateur to risk.

 

[masterBK]

In Sheffield many years ago swarms were picked up from high places by a beekeeping fireman called Eric Hughes with the help of the ladders of the fire engine. Falling off high ladders is a major risk (remember Rod Hull) and in my book no swarm is worth that.

 

[richardbees]

All it needs is a piece of honeycomb plus honey to land on the pavement, someone to slip on the mess...

.....? so sue the bees!