A company called me about a hive in their building. went out and checked. they seem to be in the 10" block wall.
I've done cut-outs, but never a block wall. It's too far away and would be very difficult to do a trap out. Told the maintenance guy what I would have to do and he said no way would they go for that. Sent the woman an email with estimate.(she also sent a check for the inspection fee) and absolutely no repairs will be made by me
Got an email back yesterday. They want me to do it.
This hive is 3 stories up in a concrete block wall. use of their lift is included.
Anyone got any tips on a removal from concrete block wall?
No I don't. But I did see Billy the Exterminator deal with bees in the concrete blocks of a fire hall once. No, you do not want to know what he did to them :(
I have several videos of block wall removals on youtube. Search MrBeedude.
Scott
I've watched many of Scott and Peg's videos and I think they have concrete block removal down to a science. Their videos are better than reality TV. For the last couple of weeks I watch a few of them every evening as I relax before turning in. Great entertainment and I've learned a thing or two.
watched your videos. quite informative. what were ya using to cut the block?
Get you a diamond blade for the saw. And a hammer.
As Allen said, a diamond blad on a 4" grinder works well. The blade doesn't quite cut all the way through the block face (lacks about 1/8") which keeps the dusting down of the open brood to a minimum (conc dust will kill open brood in a heart beat!). It just takes a few knocks with a hammer to finish the job.
Scott
If you can't do a trap out, then I would suggest pouring a few bottles of almond extract (food grade benzaldehyde) into the top of the block cavities. Then stand back as the bees leave.
Frame, there are usually so many passageways in a block wall that the queen can duck into (along with lots of bees) that chances are slim that you's ever be able to run them all out. Tons of workers yes, queen...I doubt it.
Scott
Quote from: hardwood on March 15, 2012, 11:57:36 PM
Frame, there are usually so many passageways in a block wall that the queen can duck into (along with lots of bees) that chances are slim that you's ever be able to run them all out. Tons of workers yes, queen...I doubt it.
Scott
That being the case, how can you ever do a cut out that gets the queen and all the bees. Surely an aromatic gas can penetrate a structure better than a concrete saw? To improve the chances of benzaldehyde working, you might drill multiple holes at various points in the wall and add benzaldehyde to each.
I admit I have zero experience with removing bees from such a structure, so I'm just asking a question.
When cutting into the block the queen will often times sneak into the next block (or two or three or more) over. I usually have to wait a day after the comb is removed for her to make her way back. She can be found hanging in the original void clustered with a small handful of bees.
Scott
I forget which video but didn't you purposefully leave a small piece of comb in the void to attract the queen and remaining bees overnight? That's a great tip that may come in handy someday.
Whatever the removal, I always try to leave a small bit of comb until I'm sure I have the queen. You wouldn't believe how many times you'll find her hiding behind that comb.
Scott
Quote from: hardwood on March 16, 2012, 11:36:47 AM
Whatever the removal, I always try to leave a small bit of comb until I'm sure I have the queen. You wouldn't believe how many times you'll find her hiding behind that comb.
Scott
Sounds like a very good tip.
Thanks for all the tips :)