In March of this year (2012) I looked at a building the Louisiana Department Of Agriculture and Forestry had used before hurricane Katrina hit. On that visit it was clear the building was in very bad shape and that it had at least two honey bee colonies living in its walls. I suspected a weak third colony present but boy was I in for a surprise when Schawee and I were called in to do the job on July 19, 2012.
On that day we discovered four booming colonies!
Our plan was to show up and remove two to three hives but every colony had a ton of bees. We were only able to remove two and expose a third that Thursday.
The next day we were greeted with torrential downpours and there was no way I could go back that day to finish the job. Schawee was out of commission for the returning trip which was on Saturday, the 21st.
I went solo that day and was greeted to severe rainy weather this day as well but I persevered and got the job done albeit I worked until 10:20 that night.
It was a long wet day that began with me getting my truck stuck in the muck but another crew on site was nice enough to pull me out.
The whole time I was there in the back of my mind I was hoping that I would be able to get my truck out at the end of this long day.
Alone in the pitch dark and an hour from home was what awaited me if I got stuck again.
It all worked out, thank God!
Here is part one and two. I hope you enjoy the videos!
...JP
JP And Schawee Remove Bees For The Department Of Agriculture Part One (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwla-_zfpnM#ws)
JP And Schawee Remove Bees For The Department Of Agriculture Part Two (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qug4GNCjLz4#ws)
Nice one mate. The ladies are going to love the second part ;)
:-P
Oh my gosh, JP, you looked worn out by the end of this one. Ugh. What a long slog.
And I'm glad to see schawee running down the street. It's nice to know you two are not always superhuman.
-Liz
Man that looked like a lot of work. If you ever get in a bind and need some help im not too far away. Looks like fun.
Great stuff! Thanks for posting. With that many hives located next to each other and that much cut out disruption are SHB's an issue?
That one was rough folks! I'm just glad I didn't have to call a tow truck at 10:30 on a Saturday night!
Don, no SHBs to speak of. All four of these hives were extra special! Very good hygienic behavior. We watched them fly off with any dead ones at Schawee's house. They would pick them right up off the driveway and up and away they would go! They are very resourceful bees.
...JP
Great videos guys.
I agree! Great video guys!
I wish that I had some of that rain here ! Larry
Great videos JP especially the ending. Been there done that but with yellow jackets after working 4 hives. I laughed my but off.
Did you charge extra for the extra hives or was it a set price?
I have never seen you look so tired, it was a good thing you didn't have to dig your way out.
Jim
Loved the video. JP, you got nads working that hive in the rain with no shirt on. Then you surprised me on that pissy hive by suiting up. Funny leaving those pissy bees with Schawee.
Saw, I had to submit an estimate based on the idea that this removal may not be done in several months. I made sure to build in a cushion. Still wasn't quite expecting four booming hives!
...JP
Quote from: ShaneJ on August 02, 2012, 02:02:49 AM
Nice one mate. The ladies are going to love the second part ;)
:-P
How did you know?? :evil:
Seriously though, I just loved these video and how you both handled these many bees. What a job this was, You were both funny. I did find it funny taking off the shirt, then putting on the suit as was mentioned above.
Funny ending. Thanks for the videos and how you explain it all. One day JP!! Just you wait. One day!! (you will be discovered)
Take care
Annette
Anyone of you newer members seen this?
From The Original Post:Quote from: JP on August 02, 2012, 01:06:23 AM
In March of this year (2012) I looked at a building the Louisiana Department Of Agriculture and Forestry had used before hurricane Katrina hit. On that visit it was clear the building was in very bad shape and that it had at least two honey bee colonies living in its walls. I suspected a weak third colony present but boy was I in for a surprise when Schawee and I were called in to do the job on July 19, 2012.
On that day we discovered four booming colonies!
Our plan was to show up and remove two to three hives but every colony had a ton of bees. We were only able to remove two and expose a third that Thursday.
The next day we were greeted with torrential downpours and there was no way I could go back that day to finish the job. Schawee was out of commission for the returning trip which was on Saturday, the 21st.
I went solo that day and was greeted to severe rainy weather this day as well but I persevered and got the job done albeit I worked until 10:20 that night.
It was a long wet day that began with me getting my truck stuck in the muck but another crew on site was nice enough to pull me out.
The whole time I was there in the back of my mind I was hoping that I would be able to get my truck out at the end of this long day.
Alone in the pitch dark and an hour from home was what awaited me if I got stuck again.
It all worked out, thank God!
Here is part one and two. I hope you enjoy the videos!
...JP
JP And Schawee Remove Bees For The Department Of Agriculture Part One (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwla-_zfpnM#ws)
JP And Schawee Remove Bees For The Department Of Agriculture Part Two (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qug4GNCjLz4#ws)
I have not and it is interesting. Thanks
QuoteI have not and it is interesting. Thanks
They have YouTube channels. I have met them both and they are as nutty as their videos :grin: + Schawee can cook a mean alligator dinner! And he hunts his own.
Quote from: Kathyp on November 14, 2023, 03:07:37 PM
QuoteI have not and it is interesting. Thanks
They have YouTube channels. I have met them both and they are as nutty as their videos :grin: + Schawee can cook a mean alligator dinner! And he hunts his own.
Anyone who hunts their own alligator dinner has to be a little (or a lot) nuts! HAHAHA.
But then again, I've been called the same by people in general for choosing a job where I work with tens of thousands of stinging insects. :wink:
QuoteAnyone who hunts their own alligator dinner has to be a little (or a lot) nuts! HAHAHA.
Lol. I'd say that applies. Maybe to both the alligator hunter and the beekeeper? :grin: