Don't want to beekeep, just want to give them a home!

frogr3 · May 15, 2009, 06:40:12 PM

I live on a farm, in a farmhouse. Lived here all my life. For probably the past 20 years or more, there has been a honeybee nest in the upper awning of the house. Every year it seems like they spawn off more and more swarms. So far this year, in the past two weeks, there have been five or six swarms. The latest one is now in the newspaper box waiting to find a home. Apparently it didn't go well with the mail lady and the newspaper lady today!! But I read that bee nests don't swarm that much... but obviously mine does! Any input on this? After 20+ years in the corner of the house, is there a ton of honey there?

Anyway, I don't want to beekeep, I would just like to know what I can do to give these bees options to find a home. Is there something simple I can build that I don't have to maintain? How can I help these guys out so we can all be good neighbors?

Thanks so much for any input!! =)

John Schwartz · May 15, 2009, 06:41:23 PM

I would search your area on Google for Bee Supply organizations who likely will have a Beekeeper list you can contact. (Your area isn't listed in this forum so can't help in that regard.)

JP · May 15, 2009, 10:15:02 PM

Mr. Frog, some bees are more swarmy than others but with that being said, bees that inhabit a smaller void space for nesting, over bees that picked a much larger void space will throw off more swarms per year, generally speaking.

Trees are natural places for bees to nest in. Do you have any trees on your farm with known cavaties, or trees that are dying or have fallen?

You could use these trees to attract and keep bees for a time, if you are lucky enough to attract a swarm.

Research swarm lure.

Most states require bees to be kept in hive bodies with removable frames, so anything you build to house bees could be illegal. Check your laws and don't forget about the trees.

One word of caution. If you do get bees to set up in trees, at some point they could become a little defensive when you operate a tractor or other machinery around or near them.

Have fun with the bees but also look into purchasing some protective clothing.

...JP

Natalie · May 15, 2009, 10:19:41 PM

Your local pest control businesses may keep a beekeeper's name and contact info on file for honeybee removals, if these are indeed honeybees and not some other type of bee.
You can look up beekeeping suppliers, organizations or call your local police and see if they have a contact.
If you can get someone to come out there they may be able to give you some options.
You live in PA and there are several members on this forum from there but you will need to list your town if you want someone near you to volunteer to take a look at what you have going on.

JP · May 15, 2009, 10:26:06 PM

Mr. Frog, why not become a bee keeper? I challenge you to consider this. Perhaps it sounds a little crazy to you and I don't know your current reasons for not wanting to, but if you are not allergic and physically able, we would be here for you, to help you with one of the most wonderfully fullfilling hobbies you could ever imagine possible.

Let us know what you think?

...JP

Michael Bush · May 25, 2009, 12:21:23 AM

Find the local beekeeping club and have a beekeeper put some hives on your place. You'll provide a home and the beekeeper will care for them.

Highlandsfreedom · May 25, 2009, 12:38:36 AM

Quote from: JP on May 15, 2009, 10:26:06 PM
Mr. Frog, why not become a bee keeper? I challenge you to consider this. Perhaps it sounds a little crazy to you and I don't know your current reasons for not wanting to, but if you are not allergic and physically able, we would be here for you, to help you with one of the most wonderfully fullfilling hobbies you could ever imagine possible.

Let us know what you think?

...JP

I agree.... beekeeping is a very fun and relaxing hobby. Plus you will get many extras out of the deal like true local honey, bees wax for candles, pollen, and propolis! And some great portch sittin' T.V. . Its not that expensive either and you could get MORE than enough great info right here.

bassman1977 · May 25, 2009, 11:20:02 PM

Where in PA are you from Mr. Frog?

lenape13 · May 26, 2009, 08:09:09 AM

There are several members of this fourm residing in PA. Please post your location so that one of us can help you.

frogr3 · May 27, 2009, 10:33:46 AM

Sorry I have been absent. I am in south central PA. We did call a bee keeper who has a produce farm and was very glad to come pick them up. He took two swarms. We do have at least three hives here. Two in a tree branch, and one in the corner of the house.

As for why I don't want to have my own hive is because I am busier than a bee! I just don't have time to bring something new into my life, research it, give it the time it would deserve. I also do NOT react well emotionally when I get stung... throw myself down on the ground like a two year old in a temper tantrum. LOL, it's got to be quite the sight for sore eyes. =)

Thank you so much for the help you all have put out. I now know where I can find further help for the next swarm, though for now they seem to have eased up. Why is it when they swarm that they don't go far from their original hive?

~Ms. Frogr ;)

bassman1977 · May 27, 2009, 11:31:21 AM

QuoteWhy is it when they swarm that they don't go far from their original hive?

A lot of times they do. Often, they go a short distance when they first leave their original hive. After they sit for a time, then they go further. Sometimes foul weather will force them to stay where they didn't intend to stay.