I hived a small swarm abouth 2 months ago. I had them in a nuc, then bought a hive body, etc. This was about a "soccer ball"-sized swarm, that I assume came from a hollow gum tree(still bees in there) about 50 yards from this swarm. I shook them into the nuc, and left them scent-fanning until the next night. Then I moved the nuc about 500 yards to my house. I now see that I have no queen and have laying workers. What is the best thing to do now? Kill the bees and start over? I cannot find any packages available at this time of year. Someone suggested moving the hive a 30-40 yard distance away, shaking the bees off, moving the hive back and introducing a new queen to the flying workers that return to the hive. I keep hearing mixed messages on the validity of that practice.
My grandfather kept bees and sold A.I. Root supplies for years. He died in 1961, so I never had a chance to work with him,other than watching him work the hives and collect swarms. My experience was gained helping a friend with 400-500 commercial hives for the 1991 honey season. I know just enough to be dangerous!
My grandfather kept bees and sold A.I. Root supplies for years. He died in 1961, so I never had a chance to work with him,other than watching him work the hives and collect swarms. My experience was gained helping a friend with 400-500 commercial hives for the 1991 honey season. I know just enough to be dangerous!