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Title: How do I transfer ferral bees?
Post by: Larry_ on March 23, 2008, 11:23:07 PM

I am not a beekeeper but one summer in Oklahoma I had the opportunity to work bees. That sparked my interest so here I am!

I am in SW Arizona and have had bees living under a 40 foot container for 4 years now. I saw them swarm once and thought they were gone but the hive continues to thrive. The entrance is at ground level. The orange and citrus blossoms are on now and I have orchards all around me. The bees are very busy ;)

If I buy a starter kit, how do I go about transferring the bees into the hive boxes I set up? They are very gentile. I spent time close to them and seen no aggression. If I just set the hives near their entrance on the ground, will they just move in?

Interesting reading here. Thank you all in advance for your response.

Larry

Title: Re: How do I transfer ferral bees?
Post by: KONASDAD on March 23, 2008, 11:45:20 PM

use the search engine for hiving swarms. there are lots of techniques. Mostly suit up and cut out. Rubber band comb into foundationless frames.

Title: Re: How do I transfer ferral bees?
Post by: DennisB on March 23, 2008, 11:52:13 PM

Larry,

Welcome to the forum. There is a lot of great information and someone will be able to answer your question. Good luck on getting them.

DennisB

Title: Re: How do I transfer ferral bees?
Post by: Larry_ on March 24, 2008, 12:17:38 AM

Quote from: KONASDAD on March 23, 2008, 11:45:20 PM
use the search engine for hiving swarms. there are lots of techniques. Mostly suit up and cut out. Rubber band comb into foundationless frames.

I probably can not reach the hive without digging. The container weighs 15,000 lbs. I have been reading the threads on hive removal. I will keep searching for a method.

Thanks,
Larry

Title: Re: How do I transfer ferral bees?
Post by: Jerrymac on March 24, 2008, 01:28:34 AM

Yeah, you might need a back hoe

Title: Re: How do I transfer ferral bees?
Post by: JP on March 24, 2008, 01:53:32 AM

Quote from: Jerrymac on March 24, 2008, 01:28:34 AM
Yeah, you might need a back hoe

If you want this hive, like Jerry says, you will have to go in and get them, even if it recquires digging. Or, you can place swarm traps out and hope to catch a swarm from this hive, but they will not just move in on their own, they are happy where they are now. You will have to evict them if you want them.

...JP

Title: Re: How do I transfer ferral bees?
Post by: Cindi on April 01, 2008, 10:50:05 AM

Larry, welcome to our forum. You have found the right place to ask your questions, you will get those answers. Good luck with your endeavours with the bees. Beautiful and wonderful day in this great life. Cindi

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BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => HONEYBEE REMOVAL => Topic started by: Larry_ on March 23, 2008, 11:23:07 PM