The swarm from Hell – Hell Spawn

[Spikedog]

Recently took a Nuc and having re-housed it placed the travelling box near patio containing single old frame and a drop of Lemongrass on floor – There was an immediate interest shown by bees and within 48 hours we witnessed a swarm [Likely cast] and stood amidst them as they entered the box – delight first sight of and taking of a swarm. Left until nightfall and placed it a five frames Nuc (new frames with foundation only) and top fed with syrup. As per ‘Hooper’ blocked entrance on throwing them in and then opened entrance. This morning they were back at ‘lure box’ and witches to boot– pure aggression; dogs and we peering out windows as they bounced off the glass – prisoners to Hell Spawn. The Nuc filled the night previously was empty with a beard of bees hanging from below the entrance. We placed this beard back into the Nuc and closed down. Have spent the day being pelted by Bees (we were suited) as they angrily patrol out patio area – we will momentarily close down the lure box and re-house the remaining delinquents in morning. My waters (little experience) tell me this is not over – a) When we open in days to come they will abscond (probably thankfully) or worse return to patio - b) These will remain Hell Spawn and continue to act aggressively and require being released in the wild or a pint of petrol –
Advice or comment on where we went wrong much appreciated – as this has been a tedious couple of days – cost benefit for a cast = non-feasible.

 

[enrico]

Petrol. I can't see that you did anything wrong. I wouldn't want them!
E

 

[Spikedog]

Petrol. E

Thank you Enrico - I fear you may be right. Will give them a few days to settle down but zero tolerance from here on - one more strike and they are out ....

 

[Moggett]

Dealing with the problem without petrol is what beekeepers do.

Try a frame of eggs from another colony as you may have squished their queen.