I've read Iddee's threads on trapouts several times and would like to try one. Learned today about bees in the brick wall of a house, but no details. Any advice on when to walk away -- like how high the opening is, etc., would be appreciated. I'm looking for someone to work with on it. Several beekeepers in Dallas have turned the woman down, but they may have been looking for a low swarm on a tree limb or not know about trapouts or something.
Gary
When to walk away is a personal appraisal, I have done a trapout up on a roof top, and would do it again. Here are some of the most important aspects -
1. Take into account the fact that the hive body will be MUCH heavier coming down the ladder than it was going up. It is hard to bring a hive body full of bees down a ladder, and you don't want to disassemble it to do so.
2. Will your setup survive a storm?
3. Can you reach all the areas that the bees may be exiting the site, so you can reduce the exit to one spot? Is that spot able to be closed off with the funnel with a box ajoining, or is it in a funky corner or something?
4. Will the bees endanger anyone at the trapout site? They will be upset, and there will be A LOT of them at first.
Just some thoughts.
JC
Thanks, JC. Weight is a critical matter for me. I'm 78 years old. Active, but 78. I think height is probably the big factor for me, along with weight. That's why I've contacted a couple other beekeepers to see if anybody is interested. Any volunteers in Dallas area are welcome.
Gary
For the height and weight thing, build up scaffolding and leave it there for the entire trap out. At any age you should know our limits, a hive can be bought much much cheaper than the deductible for an emergency room visit. The heights and weight part I can handle with some thinking, the heat is another thing.
Yeah, I've been thinking about a camelback for hydration. It's hell trying to get a drink in a bee suit.
BEE SUIT!! Too danged hot for that!
Might wear a veil if they are pissy! You can drink through a straw through the loose mesh cloth on a square folding veil.
NEVER plan a trapout or cutout before surveying the situation. You will ALWAYS be wrong. Look it over, take pics, then ask questions.
Quote from: Dallasbeek on July 04, 2014, 11:57:00 PM
Yeah, I've been thinking about a camelback for hydration. It's hell trying to get a drink in a bee suit.
Genius. Why didn't I think of that!?
Good advice!!
One thing not mentioned was cost and Price.
How far away is it? You will be driving over several times during the course of the trap out to check the status, and replace the nuc or box you are collecting bees in if necessary.
Setting up ladders each time etc, etc.. It can be quite a bit of work and expense.. If all you want are the bees, a Nuc would be cheaper. If it is a paying job, make sure it is worth what you are about to go through.
Package = $90.00 ?
Nuc = $150.00 ?
I can often find production hives in good shape for around $300.00
Will your cost exceed any of these?
So.. Walk away if it will be a lot of work and expense for "free" bees Or walk away if the price is not worth the struggle you are considering undertaking. I too will go a bit out of my way for survivors, but there is no guarantee they will rebuild in time for winter, or survive the winter. Do they have disease or mites? Treating is also expensive..
Free bees are great if they don't cost too much. :-D
Quote from: OldMech on July 22, 2014, 02:58:53 PM
Free bees are great if they don't cost too much. :-D
You are spot on, Old Mech.
I love feral/survivor bees/genes, but what price are we really willing to "pay" for them? ;)
Ed
For me, the difference is often the customer's attitude toward the whole set up. When someone is friendly and respectful (and willing to pay what I charge) I am usually willing to go the extra mile to remove bees even under challenging circumstances. That being said, I've walked away from relatively simple jobs because the home owners were being difficult. The bees don't make the job hard, the people do!
AMEN, Sarah...
I would have to agree with that completely! Well said.