Tree Removal, 9' of hive

annette · February 26, 2009, 10:29:05 PM

So awesome JP. Just amazing that you can do that. What I wouldn't give to experience something like that - I mean to watch something like that.

You always find the queens as well. You are truly the bee whisperer. X:X X:X X:X

poka-bee · February 26, 2009, 11:41:08 PM

Boy, what a day, got to play with chainsaws, lifts & got bees too! Good pics JP, we have missed your adventures! Seeing what the bees do on their own awes me all over again! Can't wait to see what you have for show & tell tomorrow! Yes Annette he truly must be a bee whisperer! J

JP · February 27, 2009, 12:00:21 AM

JP here with rosy cheeks from all the blushing you gals put on me!

I am happy to share pics but I have to admit, you know I don't always find the queen, I try to, but sometimes she just doesn't want to be found. :-D

Thanks for the accolades anyway though! :rainbowflower:

...JP

Irwin · February 27, 2009, 08:47:22 AM

Where's the pic off your new hat :-D

Understudy · February 27, 2009, 09:09:23 AM

Awesome job. I am amazed you found the queen I never would have found the queen.

Sincerely,
Brendhan

JP · February 27, 2009, 10:07:13 AM

Quote from: Irwin on February 27, 2009, 08:47:22 AM
Where's the pic off your new hat :-D

Irwin, will wear the hat for a swarm call.

Brendhan, I really did not expect to find the queen in this colony, I figured the odds were great that she was smooshed, once the tree branch she was in was lowered to the ground and now the combs were parallel to the ground.

I believe her saving grace was that the combs were rigid as shoe leather so they didn't compress at all.

...JP

Cindi · February 27, 2009, 12:43:21 PM

Annette, Jody, do you actually believe that he is blushing from your comments, :lol:, I think his chest puffed out, he now looks 10 times bigger :) :) Have the best of a wonderful day, love life. Cindi

vermmy35 · February 27, 2009, 12:53:28 PM

sweet free bee's and how much honey did you salvage?

Scadsobees · February 27, 2009, 02:33:33 PM

Quote from: vermmy35 on February 27, 2009, 12:53:28 PM
sweet free bee's and how much honey did you salvage?

Um...let's see...conservatively; 4 hours to cut out, at $ 20/hour = $80 plus travel time and expense and equipment

Not quite free, but sounds fun nonetheless! I'm paying attention to this 'cuz I got a big log with a hive waiting in the backyard!

JP · February 27, 2009, 08:42:35 PM

Quote from: vermmy35 on February 27, 2009, 12:53:28 PM
sweet free bee's and how much honey did you salvage?

Yes, they were free bees cause I was paid to remove them. My competitor wanted lots more to do the job, so I got the job.

Saved enogh honey to keep them alive but I didn't save any for myself from this hive.

...JP

ArmucheeBee · February 27, 2009, 09:25:34 PM

JP

When you had the tree on the ground and cut those 2 ft. sections, did they not go apey on you?

slaphead · February 27, 2009, 09:37:14 PM

Amazing pictures JP.

I'm blown away by what you did.

SH

JP · February 28, 2009, 12:16:05 AM

Quote from: ArmucheeBee on February 27, 2009, 09:25:34 PM
JP

When you had the tree on the ground and cut those 2 ft. sections, did they not go apey on you?

These bees were just not that aggressive, they didn't particularly like me cutting with the chain saw but they didn't go totally bonkers and before each cut I would smoke them silly.

Thanks slaphead.

...JP

ArmucheeBee · February 28, 2009, 09:33:18 AM

Here's a similar episode from last year with a different outcome. The tree service let the section fall to the ground which collapsed the comb. Then left it there for 3 days before I got to it. I tried to salvage it but could not. Poured gas on it and burned the 1000's of wax moth and SHB larva. Section weighed around 250 lbs I guess. Good experience, my 1st tree hive.

JP · February 28, 2009, 02:02:32 PM

Stephen, looks like y'all were playing "see who can get a hernia first game!"

If there are shb in your part of the country, they are likely to be in just about every hive. When the combs compress against each other the environment becomes most favorable for shb to take off and start laying eggs by the gazillions and unless they are able to abscond with a queen, that hive is doomed.

I was lucky with this removal for a couple of reasons, one-the combs were so rigid they didn't compress. Two- the limb was lowered to the ground, gently.
And three-I was able to get there the day the limb was lowered to the ground.

After 2 days in most cases, particularly 3 days it seems is the magic number, The situation is a mess not worth salvaging.

Hey Stephen that tree section y'all dealt with had a nice ripe smell to it huh? Nothing like the smell of rotten brood and fermented honey, no thanks!

...JP

ArmucheeBee · February 28, 2009, 11:12:57 PM

I still smell it, and that was back in the fall!!