bees in the chimney

[wildbeekeeper]

Got a call about a swarm of bees that had taken up residence in a chimney cap.  THeowner said they had been there "about" 6 to 8 weeks.  Below are some pictures of the bees and the comb under the cap and the some comb after I lifted the cap off.  There were 5 big pieces of comb full of brood just under the cap and when I removed those there was another 4 or 5 full pieces going a full 18 inches down the chimney.  I was able to get all the comb and most of the bees into a nuc ( I wish I had brought a full deep instead of teh 5 frame nuc.....it was packed pretty good in the end!)  When I left the bees were furious but going in and out of the hive so I left it there on the roof until tomorrow nit and then I will go back and check to see if they moved in ok :)

[Greg Peck]

Did you start a tiny fire in the fireplace for smoking purposes?  :-D

[wildbeekeeper]

there was a nice wood stove at the bottom so I guess that would have been an option!  These bees are VERY tempermental too!  I picked up the nuc last nite and some came out and hit me good....and then this AM when I transferred them to a regular 10 frame deep they were all over me!  We'll see if they calm down...might want to requeen!