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Should I move hives while trees are being removed?

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1.2K views 6 replies 7 participants last post by  Rader Sidetrack  
#1 ·
We will be removing 3 large pine trees near the apiary. Closest one is about 10ft with the others about 15ft away.

We'll be getting a tree service as they'll have to be taken down from the top using a bucket truck.

My bees are not aggressive at all and are very busy right now with the flow. They've already swarmed and none should be queenless at this point.

But just to be on the safe side, should we temporarily move the hives while this work is done? I would want to move them back as soon as the work is done.

Thanks for advice.
 
#4 ·
Go out the night before, put moving screens on, and move the bees a safe distance away until the work is complete. An accidentally knocked over hive could create a potentially deadly risk for a man in a bucket truck who has no place to run. A man with a running chain saw who is distracted by a bee sting could get a serious injury.
 
#5 ·
Recently, I had to have 2 very large dead oaks, next to my hives taken down by the professionals using a bucket truck. I did not want any problems if any of the tree men got stung, so I closed off the entrances. When other people are involved, I would rather be safe than sorry. I did make sure that they had adequate ventilation.
 
#7 ·
I have watched tree service people contracted by the local power company working from a bucket truck on my property. They did not lower the cut wood down with a rope!:rolleyes: The cutter positions the bucket where it won't get hit by the falling wood, cuts, and lets the cut piece fall to the ground. Very tough to know exactly where that chunk will be once it stops moving.:eek:

In addition, the tree service people may have their own idea about working with bees 10 feet away. I'd contact them in advance to see what they say. :)