Need some suggestions on a wild hive removal. Got some pictures to look at.

Water Hunter · February 15, 2009, 07:05:41 PM

My father in law works at a one of those Grand Poobaa lodges. You know the ones that where the funny hats. Well they have this blue box behind a metal container shed. When I took a look the ladies were busy gathering pollen. a nearby tree was in bloom, I think a cherry tree. There legs were packed with pollen. a cool pink color. They've been there for a while. He thinks maybe at least year. The box looks like it has a bottom to it. The top opening has a hole with some metal pipes sticking out. I was thinking I could put a screen on the top after dark to keep them from coming out to say hi to me. My worry is the bottom and what to do after I get them in the back of my truck. How to get them in a ten frame hive. By the way my first package of bees comes in April. I am a new beekeeper that's willing to jump right in. Any thoughts on this matter would be greatly appreciated. I hope the photos will upload...........just found out I don's have enough post to put in a photo link. I'll try to amend that. Thanks, Matt

JP · February 15, 2009, 07:26:55 PM

Pictures didn't load because you are a new member. Perhaps one of the mods will view, then load them up for you.

How large is the box? It more than likely has a closed bottom, so your plan of screening the top, then moving them should work fine. If there is no bottom, after gently smoking them you could lift the box and place it on plastic, then tape the sides up.

If the box is not too large you could set them on a deep with frames and add another box or two to contain them, and a cover. You would need to cut a hole out of the bottom if there isn't one already.

Once the queen starts laying in the box below you could then remove the blue box and cut combs to fit frames in one of the boxes that was on top and add that one back.
http://picasaweb.google.com/pyxicephalus/NewOrleansLouisiana?authkey=vWdS3nO_YMI#

...JP

Kathyp · February 15, 2009, 07:31:17 PM

take time to read the posts in the removal section. you'll probably find some good ideas there. just from what you have posted....can you cover the opening, slip a piece of plywood or plastic under, and then load them up. you'll probably want to strap or tape them so that they don't come apart. wood box? check it over well for other openings. even tiny openings will leak bees.

as for getting them out, you may have several options. you can do a cut out..remove brood comb and rubber band into frames, etc. you can place a super over or under box if it fits and let the bees move on their own.

the bees have probably built from the top of the box down. if you can find or make an opening on the bottom and place box over your own super, that would probably work best, or at least be easiest.

if you can get pics, a moderator can post them for you.
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jp, we should work together sometime! most of what i know i learned from you and understudy anyway. i'm not doing the ladder on the truck cab thing................

NWIN Beekeeper · February 21, 2009, 05:33:50 AM

It might seem basic, but don't forget to work at the earliest and coolest part of the day.
This will gain you the most 'latitude without attitude'.

Aluminum foil is nice for stuffing holes in an emergency - even if you assume you have all bases covered!

Funny hats? Don't cast stones! You'll be the funny one in a veil soon!

JP · February 21, 2009, 09:07:44 AM

"jp, we should work together sometime! most of what i know i learned from you and understudy anyway. i'm not doing the ladder on the truck cab thing................"

Kathy, I would love to meet you one day soon and secondly would really enjoy working with you on a cut out. We can both watch Brendhan put his ladder in the bed of his pick up!

...JP

Brian D. Bray · February 22, 2009, 08:58:32 PM

Quote from: JP on February 21, 2009, 09:07:44 AM
"jp, we should work together sometime! most of what i know i learned from you and understudy anyway. i'm not doing the ladder on the truck cab thing................"

Kathy, I would love to meet you one day soon and secondly would really enjoy working with you on a cut out. We can both watch Brendhan put his ladder in the bed of his pick up!

...JP

JP, I believe Understudy puts his ladder on the top of the cab. Having meant him, I can say her is a goer and a doer, if not always the brightest under pressure. :-D :-D

Understudy · May 06, 2009, 09:11:38 PM

Quote from: Brian D. Bray on February 22, 2009, 08:58:32 PM
Quote from: JP on February 21, 2009, 09:07:44 AM
"jp, we should work together sometime! most of what i know i learned from you and understudy anyway. i'm not doing the ladder on the truck cab thing................"

Kathy, I would love to meet you one day soon and secondly would really enjoy working with you on a cut out. We can both watch Brendhan put his ladder in the bed of his pick up!

...JP

JP, I believe Understudy puts his ladder on the top of the cab. Having meant him, I can say her is a goer and a doer, if not always the brightest under pressure. :-D :-D

Success just scares others when unconventional means are used. :-D

Sincerely,
Brendhan