Well, I gave it a shot, just really wanted to try. It didn't work out for the bees, but I learned a ton, which is why I wanted to try it, I guess. Nothing can substitute for experience!
So, first of all, the opening just wasn't big enough to get anything out of. I tried to get some comb but ended up with mush. Also, there weren't that many bees. I was able to determine the cavern size, but the only comb with brood was way at the back, and there didn't seem to be much of it. I tried using Bee Quick to chase them out, too, but didn't get much of a response. I almost wonder if they weren't a healthy hive?
So what I learned was:
- I need to modify one of my bee vac screens. The bees clustered around it, I lost some suction.
- I learned that you can lose a lot of suction when the hose is longer.
- And that I don't have a problem with heights if I have bees to concentrate on! :)
I want to thank everyone here that provided input, I took it all into account, really I did! Now that I've tried it and have experienced the set backs first hand, I think I can make better decisions about that aspect of bee retrieval in the future.