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I am planning to move my honey bee hive from Michigan to Texas using an enclosed cargo trailer. We have a few concerns.
1.) Is this a safe distance?
2.) What about weather (cold here in MI but hot in TX)?
3.) Should the hive been sealed or use a hive net?
4.) What about the winter cluster? What if it's disturbed during transit?
We've heard winter is the best time to move. But MI to TX? Please help us. Thanks!
Distance isn't a concern, bees are moved cross-country regularly.Quote:
Originally Posted by BugBoy
No different than taking bees to California for almond pollination. Commerical beeks do it every winter.Quote:
2.) What about weather (cold here in MI but hot in TX)?
4.) What about the winter cluster? What if it's disturbed during transit?
Net. Bees need ventilation.Quote:
3.) Should the hive been sealed or use a hive net?
When you say "enclosed", do you mean a standard U-Haul-type box trailer? I'd be concerned about it being an oven and roasting the bees as soon as you hit warmer temperatures.Quote:
... an enclosed cargo trailer.
Have you checked if there are any regulations regarding bringing bees into Texas? Do you need to get them inspected before leaving Michigan?Quote:
Please help us.
It's not hot in Texas now. When are you moving? We're in the mid-80s during the day now, mostly. Nights are chilly. It shouldn't get oven-hot again for at least another 6 months.
Summers are a different story. Once it gets hot, OMG, it is HOT. I don't place hives in full sun. I place them so they get morning sun, and then dappled shade the rest of the day.
What part of TX are you moving to? Still warm/hot down in the valley but up here in the Panhandle it got down to around 20 F night before last. Warms up to mid 50-60s during he day now.
Ventilation, I would have a screen on bottom and top, and then have them sitting up on something so that air can get underneath. If you stop the trailer somewhere where it is hot, maybe open the door, it will get hot in there.