Free bees (in wall, central VA)

[Ross]

You'll think they're free right up until they turn out to be:
a) mean as h*ll
b) diseased
c) comb has sevin dust in it
d) they abscond the next day
e) AHB
f) AFB
g) you make 3 more trips because the homeowner "sees bees"

With gas at $3.00, I'm not going anywhere without a guaranteed return on the investment.  Bees in a wall are never free.

[Jerrymac]

You've had some bad experiences haven't you?

[Ross]

First question to ask when they call, "Have you poisoned them?".  Nine out of ten times the answer is "I sprayed them" or "I sprinkled Sevin dust on the opening, but they're still here". 

Next question to ask right before you pull out of the driveway, "Are they still there right now?".  6 out of 10 times the answer is "They were here a minute ago, I guess they just flew off".  Primarily applies to swarms. 

[Ross]

This is one that went well.  Only had to go back twice but it wasn't far. 

http://www.myoldtools.com/Bees/cutout1.jpg

http://www.myoldtools.com/Bees/cutout2.jpg

[bluegrass]

You'll think they're free right up until they turn out to be:
a) mean as h*ll
b) diseased
c) comb has sevin dust in it
d) they abscond the next day
e) AHB
f) AFB
g) you make 3 more trips because the homeowner "sees bees"

With gas at $3.00, I'm not going anywhere without a guaranteed return on the investment.  Bees in a wall are never free.

Every business has profit and loses.... you have to view the big picture, not just the cutout to cutout......If I do 10 cutouts a year and 8 survive than I made 800.00 in 10 days.

[Ross]

I haven't seen a cutout yet that was the equivalent of a $100 hive.  Most of the time you don't find the queen for starters.  Then you have to subtract your expenses.  And unlike many, I consider my time worth something. 

[Scadsobees]

It is definately worth the experience.  I'll try almost anything once.

After having done one and looked or been asked about 4, I'm not so sure if I want to do another, and I definately wouldn't do it free unless it were a charity case. 

Now is also a time that you will get a most likely swarmed hive, so the brood and bees will be at a minimum, equaling a small weak hive.

I have a pending request from a store owner who has had bees for some time in his roof, they've been exterminated twice in the last 3 years and still "going strong".  Who knows about mite resistance, but maybe I can get some pesticide resistant bees!!  No more orchard kills!

Better to collect swarms, they are much much easier!! :)

Rick

[Ross]

I have 3 waiting on me right now, all at $50 an hour when I get to them.  If I had the time it would be easier, but I have 30 hives plus a day job and a life.