Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => HONEYBEE REMOVAL => Topic started by: brolib on January 04, 2019, 06:37:48 pm

Title: Winter downed tree cutout
Post by: brolib on January 04, 2019, 06:37:48 pm
I've never done a cutout before. Gathered a few swarms in the spring, but this will be breaking new ground. A farmer friend was cutting dead ash trees and one had bees in it. When he told me, I had little hope that it would be salvageable, but when I went to take a look he had covered it with lots of bark and a tarp. I removed the bark and tarp and the bees were quite active and milling about(on the brood, I imagine). We have been enjoying unseasonably warm weather. Tomorrow I will remove the comb and bees and put them in frames and boxes. Any advise on wintertime removals would be appreciated. I'll be taking a surplus of boxes and rubber bands. Anything else?

A plus was seeing eagles. This farm is on the banks of the Wabash River near Logansport, IN. If I'm not too busy with bees, I would like to get some eagle pics.
Title: Re: Winter downed tree cutout
Post by: BeeMaster2 on January 04, 2019, 08:01:44 pm
I have cut out several hives from trees. I would strongly recommend that, if you can, leave them in the tree until spring. There chances of surviving now are slim even if done during warm weather. After the last major cold snap, their chances seriously increase.
Jim
Title: Re: Winter downed tree cutout
Post by: BeeMaster2 on January 04, 2019, 08:18:00 pm
Here are some pictures of a tree cutout that I did last summer.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/cg1dbhuaQHLW3NiYA
Jim
Title: Re: Winter downed tree cutout
Post by: iddee on January 04, 2019, 08:44:47 pm
Like Jim says, try to take the log home, orient it as it was standing, and hope they live until spring. Then do the cutout.
Title: Re: Winter downed tree cutout
Post by: brolib on January 04, 2019, 09:17:14 pm
Sound advise. Don't know if the tree was standing or down when the comb was drawn. I was really getting geared up for this, but perhaps it would be best to just stand down and go back in a April or May. Thank you. I'll give them a visit tomorrow and get them tucked in really good and maybe get some eagle pictures.
Title: Re: Winter downed tree cutout
Post by: Ben Framed on January 16, 2019, 11:19:56 pm
Sound advise. Don't know if the tree was standing or down when the comb was drawn. I was really getting geared up for this, but perhaps it would be best to just stand down and go back in a April or May. Thank you. I'll give them a visit tomorrow and get them tucked in really good and maybe get some eagle pictures.

Did you have a chance to go back? I was just interested in your progress..
Title: Re: Winter downed tree cutout
Post by: brolib on January 19, 2019, 01:58:50 pm
No, I'll wait for warmer weather. I'm sure their chances for survival are better where they are now. I'll post again when that happens.
Title: Re: Winter downed tree cutout
Post by: Ben Framed on January 19, 2019, 02:02:29 pm
No, I'll wait for warmer weather. I'm sure their chances for survival are better where they are now. I'll post again when that happens.

Wise decision, I hope it works out good for you..
Phillip
Title: Re: Winter downed tree cutout
Post by: Nock on July 19, 2019, 11:45:09 pm
How did it go?
Title: Re: Winter downed tree cutout
Post by: brolib on July 20, 2019, 10:01:01 am
Some critter beat me to it. I didn't go back. The farmer said something ate them. Didn't get any more details.
Title: Re: Winter downed tree cutout
Post by: Ben Framed on July 24, 2019, 12:46:56 am
Some critter beat me to it. I didn't go back. The farmer said something ate them. Didn't get any more details.

To bad, how are your other hives coming along, good I hope.
Phillip
Title: Re: Winter downed tree cutout
Post by: brolib on July 24, 2019, 06:25:34 pm
I restocked my bee yard with 3 nucs. They are thriving. Did some splits and now have 3 hives to go into the fall. My health has improved much from last year and I hope to manage these hives better.
Title: Re: Winter downed tree cutout
Post by: Nock on August 02, 2019, 11:42:35 pm
Glad to hear about your health.