Problem with a trap out.

[geoffkb]

I had someone with bees which had been in his roof for a couple of months. They got in through an eave vent, the wire screen was either damaged or hadn't been fixed properly when the house was built.

I put on a wire cone and hung a nuc with a frame of brood from the eaves. It seemed to be going fine for a couple of weeks. Then all the bees disappeared. There aren't any coming out of the cone, nor any in the nuc.

I'm wondering whether they jammed the hole in the eave vent screen, although they had been getting in and out okay before.

Maybe the queen came out and they all took off together?

I'm a little concerned there might be honey still in the roof, although the Argentine ant may have already taken care of it. I've cut out a few colonies recently which had almost no stored honey.

Anyone got any ideas they'd like to offer?

[iddee]

>>>Maybe the queen came out and they all took off together?<<<

Either that or the ants took care of them and the honey.

[Troy]

Absconding like that when things get rough is a Africanized trait.

Better for you that they are gone.

Did you collect your payment? I hope so, because that is all you'll get on this job.

[geoffkb]

The Africanized possibility did occur to me, but that wasn't my impression, they weren't particularly aggressive.

As for the payment, I got half up front, which is the only time I've done so, if I don't get any more I won't feel bad. I don't feel I've done a complete job, although the mail purpose was to remove the bees.

I suppose I'm concerned that there might still be honey in there. I'm not sure that's a big problem here since it's usually very dry, and the Argentine ants seem to find anything edible.

[kirk-o]

I have had that Problem here in L A. You have to have a frame of eggs so they can make a queen if not they obscond. I try to use small swarms for trap outs works better.Plus I use the one way bee escape they only cost a dollar work better for me
kirk

[riverrat]

As for the payment, I got half up front, which is the only time I've done so, if I don't get any more I won't feel bad. I don't feel I've done a complete job, although the mail purpose was to remove the bees.

I wouldnt feel bad they hired you to remove bees. It sounds like you did your job. As for any honey left leave it open for a few days bees will rob it out especially if there is a dearth on in the area. after which you can seal it up.

[Troy]

yep, I agree - go ask for the other half of your payment.

You got rid of the bees and that is what they paid you to do.