Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: jaseemtp on April 21, 2011, 10:32:45 PM

Title: grouchy bees, post removal
Post by: jaseemtp on April 21, 2011, 10:32:45 PM
Ok, so the other day I removed a large amount of bees from a tree.  The bees were not pleased with their removal and they let me know about it.  I let them sit locked up for 24 hours and this evening when I opened the door they came pouring out.  I had to crush some of them just to put the entrance reducer on.  After that mess I sat there (in my bee suit) and watched them.  The flow of bees slowed down and they began bringing out the dead.  The entire time there were 20 something bees buzzing me.  They even followed me to the house (200+ feet)

So the question is are these gonna be mean bees or is this a normal response?  The last two swarms I removed have been grouchy but not like these.  They were also MUCH smaller amount of bees though.
Thanks for any input
Jason
Title: Re: grouchy bees, post removal
Post by: Kathyp on April 21, 2011, 11:35:41 PM
make sure they have plenty of food and leave them alone for a few days.  did you get the queen?  if they are still pissy after a couple of weeks, i'd requeen...as much as i hate to do that to a cutout.  no point in putting up with nasty bees.
Title: Re: grouchy bees, post removal
Post by: jaseemtp on April 21, 2011, 11:40:31 PM
I am not sure if I got the queen or not.  Do ya think I should keep the shut in a little longer?