Bee Removal - Cuto

[StarrGin]

I'm back for plan C.

In a previous post, I related how a hive had moved into the wall of the garage of my farm house.  As predicted (by forum advice), I failed to catch a swarm in an empty (new) hive.  I did not proceed with plan B, funnel trap out.

I may execute plan C (cutout) this weekend.

I've read a few post on the board on tools.  I plan on the following.  Bee suit/protective gear, smoker (5lbs of fuel), circular saws (18V and 120V), hives (2, 8 med supers total), empty frames, hive knife, hive tool, crow bar, dust pan, bee brush, camera (chain saw and 20lb sledge if necessary).

Plan:
1.  Remove the inside garage wall to expose the hive.
2.  Start on the outer edge of the comb and work my way in with removal.
3.  I will brush bees (nurse) from comb into hive with blocked entrance.
4.  I will retain any comb with obvious honey until the all the brood comb is salvaged.
5.  I will tie brood comb into open frames retaining orientation from the wall.
6.  In the bottom 2 supers, I will place 2 frames of empty foundation to observers hive adaptation in a few weeks.
7.  I will block the hive wall entrance, but leave the inner garage wall open for a few weeks.
8.  I will place the hives on a stand in the yard near the garage wall for a few weeks.
9.  I will feed the hives.
10. In a few weeks, I will move the hives to an area just outside the yard where they will not interfere with house activities.

Questions:
1.  How might the comb be arranged inside the wall?  Is it likely to be attached to the brick outer wall, the wooden garage sheeting, or both.
2.  The space in the wall is narrower than the length of the frame.  Might the comb in the wall have grown vertically?  What is the best advice on cutting the comb to tie into frames?

Hope to catch the queen in one hive.  Hope to salvage young brood in the other to allow emergency queen to be created.
All advice welcomed.
I'll post pictures/video as I have time.

Jesse.

[riverrat]

wow a chainsaw, 20 lbs sledge hammer, and 5 pounds of smoker fuel. Sounds like you are headed to war with the bees. Not to do a cutout. :-D The comb can be orientated all different ways in the wall. But generally I find they will attach it to both walls and draw it at an angle to the wall. I cut the broad comb to fit the frames and rubber band it in. good luck let us know how it works for ya

[AllenF]

An 8 pound sledge is as big as I ever use. :-D

Have you checked out all the videos on honeybee removal yet?   

[Kathyp]

by all means, go to the removal section and look at the info.  there is a list of equipment needed, many pictures and videos, and many good ideas.  the more you prepare and learn before you dive in, the easier it will be. 

looking forward to the pics  :-D

[buzzbee]

http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php/board,77.0.html
Cutout how tos and discussions,videos,etc.