bees in a oak tree

[Johnny]

A big oak tree fell in one of my buddys property and theres a hive in the middle of the tree trunk. My question is whats the best way to get all the bees out and put them in a hive? Any ideas ..... Thanks

[AndreiRN]

Hmmmm, place a nuc near the entrance with some frames in it and maybe some queen feromones. If they like it they might take over. To convince them to abandon their old hive you can add in there some foul smell.

[riverrat]

If there is brood in the tree the queen will usually not leave brood. IMO the best way is to treat it like a cutout splitting the log open and banding the brood comb into frames. Another option would be to cut the log make sure the cut is right at the top of the comb set it upright cover the top. leave it until spring then put a box of comb on top they may move up into it given enough time

[Eaglerock]

I agree with Riverrat.. I have done that before... taking open-empty frames and cuting out their brood, holding it in by wrap around wire.... Also the best thing to do it locate the queen and place her in the hive... they will go where she is. If you are using a hive put an Entrance Guard in front so after you get her in the hive she can't leave. Making sure you also place some of the workers in too. They will tell others where she is.

[Eaglerock]

Also if the tree is not cut and there is only a hole opening, take a wire screen and make a funnel shape cone out the screen (making sure you only have a small opening at the one end, but big enough for the queen to come though) and, placing the big end covering the hole and tacking it down...the bees will come out of the funnel and not find the way back. Usually the queen will come out. (I don't know if she comes out on her own or if the workers bring her) But I have used this method many times over the years on houses, churches and trees. I would take a few brood racks and put some bees on them, trying to make sure you get the queen if possible, and place them in the hive and usually, having no problem getting them to go in. By night fall they should be in and you can close them up and take them away.

Ed

[Troy]

The best way to proceed depends on whether or not the bees are confined or exposed.

If they are still confined, I'd do a trapout and if they are already exposed I'd do a cut out.

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