Smoking bees out of a tree?

[JPinMO]

> Are you cutting down this tree yourself? Is a tree Service Company doing the job for you?

Jim, the owner is an older lady and will only allow a professional to cut the tree (I'm sure she is concerned about liability). Unfortunately, we don't have a ladder anywhere near that high, nor do we know anyone with a manlift....   :(

[Jim134]

> Are you cutting down this tree yourself? Is a tree Service Company doing the job for you?

Jim, the owner is an older lady and will only allow a professional to cut the tree (I'm sure she is concerned about liability). Unfortunately, we don't have a ladder anywhere near that high, nor do we know anyone with a manlift....   :(

Is the tree company going to use a crane ???
IMHO you need to call and see if they are.


                                    BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)

[JP]

>I believe that's an exaggeration, I give it a 0.00000000000000000000000000% chance

That was my first thought, but then I thought, nothing is 0% or 100% when bees are involved...

You got that right Mike!  :-D

JPinMo, As Jim mentioned, try and hook up with the tree company but remember you will obviously be the one who will have to cut them out with a chainsaw. I've done them like this, best case scenario is they cut the section of tree containing the hive and gently lower it to the ground where you perform the cut out using a chainsaw & smoke. You smoke, you cut, you smoke, you cut, until you expose the hive.

Its usually a pretty messy job & there is the chance that you may not be able to save them if it becomes extremely messy, albeit I have had good success with this, particularly with well established colonies. If new, you have the issue with collapsing comb/honey all over etc...

This type of removal can be quite an undertaking, I hope if you do go the distance on this one you are receiving at least some kind of agreeable compensation.

Catching swarms and doing splits is a lot easier but of course if you really are up for a challenge...


...JP

[iddee]

My normal routine is to offer a hooded, veiled jacket or suit and gloves to the tree cutter. Then have them cut down til they get into the comb a small bit. Next, cut about 6 feet below that after securing the hive section to the boom. Lower the section down to my truck or trailer, positioning it as close to original as possible. I cover each end with screen or plywood and take it home. If the cutter refuses, I take the saw and climb in the bucket.

I then announce at the beek club when I plan to cut it open. There are usually from 5 to 15 helpers there on the day I cut it out.