We've had a couple of good snows here already, and we've also had some nice warm days that have gotten the bees out looking for sugar syrup. The first snow in late October was wet and heavy which broke a lot of tree limbs around here. I mean A LOT of limbs. So i got a call from a tree removal guy that came across a bee tree at one home. The property owner says the trees have to go. The tree with the bees is an old maple that is rotted through and through. So the tree guy gave me a call to see what could be done with the bees. I was skeptical and suggested waiting until spring would give the bees the best chance for survival, but the home owner wants the tree down now.
Anyhow, tree guy said the limb with the colony was intact and they could probably lower it right into the pickup bed. The colony was exposed at the top where the limb had broken off but the rest of it is in good shape. So I am giving it a shot. Picked up the bee tree on Tuesday and the colony seems to be doing well.
The tree cutter wore my veil for a little protection...
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ImageShack.usWe put some mesh netting around the top of the tree to keep the bees from flying...
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ImageShack.usThe bee tree in the bee yard. I put some foam insulation in one of the cuts to close down the entrance. The bees have a defendable entrance now. I need to put a proper top on to keep in the heat from escaping and to keep the precipitation out.
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ImageShack.usI will figure out what to do with these guys in the spring. I am tempted to just leave them alone, let them build up and maybe try to catch a swarm or two from them... I figure the bees were probably done for if they were just left alone due to the opened top from the tree split. Or if the tree guys disposed of the limb. At least this way they get a chance to survive...
Cheers to All!
John