I haven't been on in a looong time but have a problem so I figure I would ask. One of my three hives swarmed a little bit ago so I have an empty hive. About a week ago, I saw that a tree in the field near my house had a beehive. The city workers have been going through this field cutting down all the trees and they had cut off the top of the tree with the beehive, exposing alot of the comb. Alot of the comb was also left in the top of the tree. I was told the ciry workers had left in a hurry haha :roll: and that they would wait until the bees left to finish cutting the tree down.
I thought great! So I hauled out my unused beehive, cleaned it out, rubbed it with lemon balm, and set it about four feet away from the stump. I left some empty comb in the hive to entice them but they are stubborn. According to my neighbor who also lives next to the bees, they have been there three weeks since the tree was cut down. They have no intention of moving, even tho it has been raining hard lately. How can I get them out of the stump?
Open the stump............
This is a large stump and I don't think I have the tools to saw into it
If it is laying down, you can use a hammer and wedge. If standing, you will have to get someone to cut it for you.
Ok. How do I catch the queen?
Find a brave soul with a chainsaw, cut the stump longways CAREFULLY, first on one side them roll it over. Don't cut the last bit and wedge it open. They will be VERY mad. Bring empty frames and do a normal cutout.
I also use a spray bottle with sugar water...makes them fly less and gives them something to do while you wreck their house. The queen will be tough to find. You'll know you have her when the colony starts flooding in the hive. Suggest you leave it there over night after your done.
Good Luck
Don't feel bad if you lose it..tree cutouts are tough.