I have been reading the post here since April and started my first hive from a nucleus that arrived 2 weeks ago so my knowledge in this field is limited.
I discovered a hive of feral bees in a tree out in one of our pastures. The tree is approximately 1/2 mile (as the bee flies) from my newly installed hive location in my backyard. I can reach the lower opening in the tree from the back of a pickup, but can't access the upper portions of the comb from that opening.
I have read the options of cutting out the hive from the tree vs leaving the hive and catching swarms from it or taking bees from it.
My first dilemma is if the bees will return to their tree hive regardless of the method harvested due to the close proximity of their tree to my bee yard.
Second, is it too late in the season to even mess with them and would they be better off by letting them alone until earlier next spring?
The tree and the land it is growing on are mine so there is no hurry to do anything. Your thoughts and opinions would be greatly appreciated.
I have attached a few photos to hopefully help illustrate the situation.
I discovered a hive of feral bees in a tree out in one of our pastures. The tree is approximately 1/2 mile (as the bee flies) from my newly installed hive location in my backyard. I can reach the lower opening in the tree from the back of a pickup, but can't access the upper portions of the comb from that opening.
I have read the options of cutting out the hive from the tree vs leaving the hive and catching swarms from it or taking bees from it.
My first dilemma is if the bees will return to their tree hive regardless of the method harvested due to the close proximity of their tree to my bee yard.
Second, is it too late in the season to even mess with them and would they be better off by letting them alone until earlier next spring?
The tree and the land it is growing on are mine so there is no hurry to do anything. Your thoughts and opinions would be greatly appreciated.
I have attached a few photos to hopefully help illustrate the situation.
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