Help with a nest relocation

Pale · December 13, 2014, 07:33:32 AM

Apologies if I have put this in the wrong forum.

So, there was a nest of bees that had taken up in a pump housing. It was either try to get them into a hive or they would be doomed.

So, what we did was put a few frames (one that was fully drawn) Waited until dark, opened the pump casing which they had drawn 3 combs under. Opened the hive and using a metal spatula (or a barbie mate depending on your geographical position) cut the comb from the pump house so that it fell into the hive. We then closed the hive until morning and then opened a small entrance for the colony to get started. Success, the colony has not absconded and is drawing out the remaining comb, multiplying and generally doing as it should.

(If that sounds like a bad way of doing things, I made several other mistakes along the way. I have learnt from said mistakes, but they were a bit silly in hindsight)

I have a problem.

I thought that the bees would vacate the comb on the ground of thenew hive and I would be able to remove it and place new frames into the rest of the space. Life is so simple. Of course, it didn't work out like that and they are continuing to use the comb on the floor (well, at least it looks that way to me, please correct me if I am way off)

My question is (ideally) how do I remove the comb (or, do I need to?) and place the remaining frames in so I can move the entire hive away from the house?

Thank you so much for your time, I'm happy for any advice for what I could have done better or differently.

hjon71 · December 13, 2014, 07:56:03 AM

Shake the bees off and remove the comb. It's that simple.
You might consider using some rubber bands and putting that comb in a frame w/out foundation. That's what I'd do.

Robo · December 13, 2014, 08:45:30 AM

The sooner you address the issue the better, otherwise it will only get worse. Hjon gave you good advice. Either just shake the bees off and remove, or if there is brood and the comb is somewhat straight, you can secure it will string or rubber bands in an empty frame. The bees will then attach the edges to the frame and remove the string/rubber bands by chewing through it.

Pale · December 14, 2014, 06:09:03 AM

Thanks heaps fellas. I had a rather more convoluted scenario drawn up in my head.

Will see how we go.

Really appreciate you taking the time to reply.

Take care.

Pale · December 26, 2014, 02:16:50 AM

So they are all settled and drawing out new comb, well, a couple of frames anyway. They seem placid enough, not wearing gloves with the lid off and no trouble wandering around the hive with no gear on just observing. I removed the lump of comb and let them clean it up over a week or so. Very sad seeing all the dead larvae in it when I finally scooped it up when they appeared to be finished with most of it.

Big :(

You live and learn and should I ever need to do that again I will be able to do so with a lot less dead bees and less stings. I feel really bad for how much I butchered the job and them.

Next step is moving the hive. We will move it about 7 kms away before moving it back to where we want it, about 800m from the house.

On the up side it seems I have two good colonies 8-)

BeeMaster2 · December 26, 2014, 08:44:27 AM

Good job Pale.
The next time you do a removal, do it during the day and rubber band the comb into the frames. Look in the Honeybee removal section for videos on removals. Lots of good videos to help you out.
Jim

jayj200 · December 29, 2014, 06:59:40 PM

Quote from: Pale on December 14, 2014, 06:09:03 AM
Thanks heaps fellas. I had a rather more convoluted scenario drawn up in my head.

Will see how we go.

Really appreciate you taking the time to reply.

Take care.

Watch JPthebeeman it will help alot

jayj200 · January 01, 2015, 09:51:40 AM

just move them to where you want them

Pale · January 02, 2015, 06:56:18 AM

Quote from: jayj200 on January 01, 2015, 09:51:40 AM
just move them to where you want them

What do you reckon Jay, just move the hive the hive to where I want it? I read in a few sources that will confuse the foragers who use landmarks to navigate and will head back to their old hive spot? I wasn't sure if this would decimate the hive or just be another hiccup for them. They don't have a cold winter to contend with, so I'm not too worried about numbers heading into the season change in March / April....

jayj200 · January 02, 2015, 01:34:14 PM

so if you move them 1 mile or two what happens? none will find the hive

so let us confuse them more by moveing a number of times

I tried an expermient here when I we moved a box. We put an empty box with drawn comb no rescoreses

Yes they went in some hung there all day at night I opened the box nothing in there. yet every day the

bees were out front of the old place put a limb stick or board accross the entrance. this makes them

orient a new for a while. disturbing them once is enough