dudley
House Bee
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2009
- Messages
- 154
- Reaction score
- 0
- Location
- Kent uk
- Hive Type
- National
- Number of Hives
- 2 apiary's 1 with 3 hives 2nd with 5 hives
I just had an email with photos of a May/June swarm that established itself in the cluster spot on the tree.
It is now fully established with comb and brood, but is exposed to the elements and predators.
How the hell it has not been wasp attacked yet I just dont know, I have trouble with my hives getting wasped even with the hive entrance closed down.
Anyway I have to take it away. I have taken many swarms as well as chimney removals and cut outs from buildings, but never this late in the year, I always try to plan those in the spring so I can re-queen if necessary and give them time to establish again.
The problem here is, they are in a pine tree. The comb is has been formed into both large and small branches, pine cones included, but mainly hanging on one large branch.
Typical cone shaped colony, with many sheets of comb.
My plan is to build a wooden box, similar to a top bar hive. Place box near/under the colony, and carefully cut away the branches supporting them from above all the time as as I do it.
When its all free and ready to go, lower into the box and tie the top supporting branch ends to the top or lid somehow.
Leave box in place until the returning/flying bees have found queen.
Bring box to me apiary and re-hive next spring.
Well that's the plan. Any other tips would be welcome.
I will try attach a photo.
It is now fully established with comb and brood, but is exposed to the elements and predators.
How the hell it has not been wasp attacked yet I just dont know, I have trouble with my hives getting wasped even with the hive entrance closed down.
Anyway I have to take it away. I have taken many swarms as well as chimney removals and cut outs from buildings, but never this late in the year, I always try to plan those in the spring so I can re-queen if necessary and give them time to establish again.
The problem here is, they are in a pine tree. The comb is has been formed into both large and small branches, pine cones included, but mainly hanging on one large branch.
Typical cone shaped colony, with many sheets of comb.
My plan is to build a wooden box, similar to a top bar hive. Place box near/under the colony, and carefully cut away the branches supporting them from above all the time as as I do it.
When its all free and ready to go, lower into the box and tie the top supporting branch ends to the top or lid somehow.
Leave box in place until the returning/flying bees have found queen.
Bring box to me apiary and re-hive next spring.
Well that's the plan. Any other tips would be welcome.
I will try attach a photo.
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