Bees in the eaves.

[The Bix]

I guess it's better than having bats in the belfry (sorry).

I haven't seen it, but when one of my neighbors today found that I was keeping bees. He told me about his neighbor, who has had bees in his eaves for at least five years and hasn't done anything about it.  From what was described to me, there is a gap between his chimney and his eaves that the bees have exploited and they actually swarmed last year.

Is there any good guidance where you all can direct me to perhaps handle this situation?  I would love to take care of my neighbor's problem and get another productive hive going, but it doesn't seem to me like it would be as easy as capturing a swarm.  Thanks very much.

[RayMarler]

sounds like a trap out or cut out is in order.
Here are a few links for how to do a Trap Out...

http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php/topic,20595.0.html

http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php/topic,20038.0.html

[JP]

Check out the honeybee removal section. Here's a few that may give you some ideas http://picasaweb.google.com/pyxicephalus/April182008#

http://picasaweb.google.com/pyxicephalus/March52008Harahan#

http://picasaweb.google.com/pyxicephalus/February142008#


...JP

[asprince]

How long have you been keeping bees? They could be a swarm from one of your hives.

Steve

[The Bix]

Been beekeeping for about 5 weeks now....don't think they're my bees :)

[iddee]

Three words of advice.....

RUN, RUN, RUN>

That is one of the most difficult places you will ever find to remove. Best to wait until you have a dozen removals under your belt before attempting that one.

[Kathyp]

i second that.  i have done one attic cut out and it was miserable.  face first into hive and insulation.  many stings.  couldn't reach all the way back to the back of the hive.  didn't save the hive.  even hubbys long arms were not enough...and he was very brave to try  :-)

i don't think i'll  do another like that, and i have been at this for a little more than 5 weeks and don't a few removals   :-D