Picked up a swarm which has made its new home in a compost bin. Owners of said bin didn't want to share the space, hence me picking the bees up.
The original comb was built from the lid, which dropped off when the owner opened the lid first time. By time I got there (a few days later), they'd started building off the sides as well as still working the comb in a heap at the bottom of the bin. Brood & stores there.
The comb was very weak and difficult to pick up without breaking into small bits, but eventually managed to ease it out into a nuc. Left loads of bees mixed up in the twigs and rotting leaves in the bin though. So lifted each twig out carefully, checking for Her Maj, and knocked the bees into the nuc. Slow progress. But, I spotted the queen (unmarked) and got her into the nuc. Popped the nuc onto the top of the open compost bin, set QX on entrance, and then left them to it.
Went back this evening, and they were all in the nuc. No flying as it's been pee'ing down since late afternoon, so hopefully got them all.
Will feed tomorrow and sort out the bits of comb later (it's got brood in, so will leave it for them to deal with for the time being).
