LA Backwards Beekeeper Roberta writes:
Last night Rob and I went to check out a tangerine tree hive in Culver City. The hive was a substantial size, described as two basketballs, and the estimate was pretty close—big for a tree hive. It was also pretty high up, about 10 feet.
I shot a few pictures and was trying to figure out when to remove it. Rob just said he would do it that day. He's got a bad case of bee fever! Well, how could I say no?
I called Yvonne who came to lend a hand and Rob started cutting branches away. That took at least an hour and we removed several 8-foot branches to create a path for the hive to some down. We smoked the hive, but the bees were still a little mad about it all.
Since it was night, we could get just about all the bees. By some miracle Rob was able to carry the huge branch down and then Yvonne held it while we trimmed branches to make it fit into the cardboard box. It was a team effort, but Rob did all the hard work.
Rob and Yvonne.
Cutting the hive apart to put it in a box is going to be pretty hard because there are branches stuck all throughout the comb. It's really beautiful. I wish it could have stayed up in the branches, but it was spectacular to see up close.
—roberta
Rob follows up on the story:
I looked at the bees this morning, and the ants had already found the box. I decided to go ahead and do the cut out this morning. It could not have gone better. The bees were totally honey drunk, as they had gulped virtually every drop of honey. The hive was almost entirely brood, with very little drone comb.
Rather than try another top bar, I tied the comb into some frames for my large super. Total piece of cake comparatively. The problem though is I only had 5 frames. I ordered a bunch but they are still somewhere between here and Brushy Mountain; LA Honey Supply Co. didn't have frames after I drove all the way out there (seriously…?).
This is so much fun Roberta. You said it…I got one heck of a case of bee fever. Maybe I'm under the control of queen pheromones ;)
I'm not sure where these bees are going right now, but I'm sure to find a nice home. In the meantime, they can call my place home.
Thanks again Roberta, you are seriously the best. Total pleasure working with you.
Cheers,
Rob
7 Responses:
That is really cool! One of the "prettier" bee hives I've seen in nature. It would be neat to see it up close.
That IS an impressive catch!
I was reading in the June issue of The American Bee journal, about the propensity of Africanized bees to nest in the open. While your warm climate may be enough to induce European bees to open air nest, I would personally requeen immediately and end that genetic line, just in case.
Oh yes the American Bee journal your guide to chemical,largee cell,weak,in-breed,and how to fail Journal.When you removed the bees were they mean?????????? they didn't seem mean to me.Did they chase you around the yard kill the dog chase the gardener? Good Lord Almighty.Observe first take advice 3rd or fouth.
This comment I'm responding to is just a robotical response from a lack of observation and or understanding of this hive that was removed from the tree
kirkobeeo
They were as non-aggressive as can be, all things considered. I've been watching them ever since and they seem like regular old honey bees. They've been amid a lot of activity since without so much as a sting.
Thanks Kirkobeeo
Rob
They don't have to be aggressive or "mean" to be Africanized. Africanized bees ARE just "regular old honey bees", for the most part. You notice I didn't run around screaming that they were trying to kill anyone...
I just don't desire any scutellata genes in my apiary, if I can help it. I like a mix of genes in my bees, including some good survivor stock, and I still would dead end that queen's genetics, if it were me. It's just the way I keep bees. Apparently the way I might do it is dead wrong. I just don't desire to aid the spread of scutellata, but it seems almost inevitable.
Kirkobeeo and I seem to get something totally different out of the same ABJ, I guess. Stick with the Backwards guys (whom I happen to have loved and followed as much as the ABJ) There's no real harm in the way they do things either.
There is no reason to end a genetic line without cause. What we DON'T need is all apiaries being requeened with genetics from the south and west. The swarm needs to be evaluated for aggressiveness, spring build-up and winter survival prior to requeenig. If you are requeening every time you catch a swarm, THAT'S a problem. You need genetic diversity not the opposite.
I agree with Michelle for what it's worth! Pretty little hive! :)
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