Wild Bees

[bwallace23350]

I apparently have a wild hive somewhere on my property. They look like typical Italian bees. I can't find their source though but they are all over my garden. Are they a threat to my hives that I am getting soon and should I try to capture these wild bees? The man who owned the property behind us died several years back and he kept bees and since then we have had no neighbors so I believe they came from him.

[iddee]

http://www.bee-quick.com/500/index.html

Follow link and click on what, where, when, how.

Find the wild bees. It's fun.

No, they won't be a problem to your bees, unless you have a weak hive in the summer when there is no flow. Then there may be robbing from them or your stronger hives.

[GSF]

...or they may throw a swarm and it take up in some of your empty equipment, or hang in a tree where you can see them.

[bwallace23350]

That would be nice if they did swarm and I found them. I need to go locate them soon.  I am about a mile from the woods but there is an old dying tree or two before the wood line. I should check there first.

[GSF]

Bees will forage a couple of miles and further if necessary. If these are indeed descendants from his bees that could be a blessing. That would mean they have survived on their own for years. This would suggest that they have a leg up when it comes to varroa or small hive beetles.

When will you get your bees? Are you north or south Montgomery? The flow in your area is just about on you. I'm about 35 miles north of Montgomery. I see some green buds on privet, black berry and clover is blooming now. 

[heaflaw]

1  As a way to find the colony, read up on Bee Lining

2  Put out as many bait hives as you can