I have to move my hive

[jgarzasr]

House sold - so now I have to move my hive.  The Fall flow is about to kick in full force.  I have 3 weeks to get out.  Should I wait for the 3 weeks and do it at that time - or should I do it now while the fall flow is getting started.  or does it even matter?

Also any suggestions?

My initial plan is to wait until night - since the nights are cool now.  Tape up the entrance and secure hive, and transport.  What do you think?  Thanks!

[Brian D. Bray]

blocking the entrance with folded screen in the evening will keep bee loss to a minimun.  Once the entranced is blocked (screen so they can breath) moving van take place immediately or wait until the next day.  the amount of bees that might return to the old location should be minimal if the move is at least 2 miles.  But you could always prop a board or stick or limb from the ground to the top so that it partially blocks the entrance.  This will force the bees to reorientate on the new location.

[Michael Bush]

Just do it.

http://www.bushfarms.com/beesmoving.htm