Hi All,
To make a long story short. A friend of mine that lives around the corner from me told me he has colony of feral bees living in his giant willow tree. We looked at it and the entrance is only 4 ft off the ground. The bees have been there for at least 10 years. So this is a great survivor colony. He said they are mine for the taking however he does not want me to cut into the tree at all. The problem, how do I get them or a portion of them out of the cavity. He doesn't mind them being there so this would be a good colony for future restocking over the years. Any help would be much appreciated. To put things in persective I am brand new to beekeeping have brand new hives no drawn comb or experience but willing to learn.
Thanks in advance.:scratch:
Pete
The other question I had is. Is it too late to try to catch a swarm from this colony this year? I can leave them alone for now and try next year.
To make a long story short. A friend of mine that lives around the corner from me told me he has colony of feral bees living in his giant willow tree. We looked at it and the entrance is only 4 ft off the ground. The bees have been there for at least 10 years. So this is a great survivor colony. He said they are mine for the taking however he does not want me to cut into the tree at all. The problem, how do I get them or a portion of them out of the cavity. He doesn't mind them being there so this would be a good colony for future restocking over the years. Any help would be much appreciated. To put things in persective I am brand new to beekeeping have brand new hives no drawn comb or experience but willing to learn.
Thanks in advance.:scratch:
Pete
The other question I had is. Is it too late to try to catch a swarm from this colony this year? I can leave them alone for now and try next year.