What to do with a bee log now?

[Hemlock]

The guys at work found a bee tree after they cut it down.  I cut the nest portion out and brought it home.  The main nest is in the hollow burl.  The bottom cut exposed several old combs buried in leafy debris. 



The biggest problem is the size of the opening.  The bees are under constant attack from Yellow Jackets & Bell Hornets.



I will reduce the entrance then feed from the top for now.  Plus I will secure the bottom better.

My understanding is to leave the bees in the log over winter.  Then get them into a box hive next year. 

Any suggestions?   Thanks

[rbinhood]

Why not secure your plywood with screws, then drill you a hole into the top of the plywood and log and place a box with frames of foundation or better yet drawn comb on top of it and let them work their way up into it on their own?

[Jim134]

Why not secure your plywood with screws, then drill you a hole into the top of the plywood and log and place a box with frames of foundation or better yet drawn comb on top of it and let them work their way up into it on their own?

  This is what would do and feed,feed,feed 
 

      I would cover the hole in then log and use an entance reducer on the bottom board of the (box or boxes) I put on

    BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)
   

[AllenF]

Closing it up shouldn't be a problem.   Just do it any way you can.   Use screen or wood.   Feed them also if they are light.  If they make it through the winter, then you have something for spring. 

[Hemlock]

Thanks guys

[wadehump]

you already have the start to a box on top seal the lower entrance