Any bee keepers in the house?

[JTM]

Don’t know if this is the correct forum or not. I have an old Catawba tree that has had a hive for at least 10 years probably more. I don’t want to disturb the bees but the problem is that the tree needs to come down, it is rotting at its base. So when it comes down I need to relocate the bees so they don’t decide to relocate in my house which is the next closest structure. I want to do it this winter so they won’t be too wound up. Any thoughts, advice, or suggestions? Thanks.

 

[diezelsmoke]

I would cut the tree down as far as you can and leave the section/trunk up, it would probably stand a few more years. I would also keep a couple boxes next to the tree with lemon grass oil inside the box to harvest extra colonies. These are the types of colonies that they suggest now harvesting as they have way better results in living.

 

[JTM]

This is the tree in the foreground. I don’t want to take off any more than I already have. The bees go in very near the top center leader. I’ll see if I can get some boxes. I would let it go on it’s own but it can hit the house.

 

[diezelsmoke]

Cut off similar or a little higher as marked, that way the branches left may keep the tree living yet. If you can keep it living it will last a long time yet.
Pix not very good but you get the idea.

 

[JTM]

10-4, I’ll give it a go. I’m very fortunate to have those bees. Don’t want to lose them.

 

[Ted Jenkins]

When I was a kid my grandpa would move bees around all the time. Are you sure you have honey bees or? He would put a fresh box where he wanted the hive to be then he would stock it with plenty of food. Some times he would build a smoky fire then take hand fulls and put them into the new nest. Me I have been fighting yellow jackets for a couple of months. Have tried most every thing. Now am starting to have success with some old fashioned traps. Thanks

 

[JTM]

Yes, they are honey bees.

 

[Little Al]

If you don't tend them what happens with "queen " reproduction /swarming where do the new colonies go ?Smoking them will calm things if you're working on the tree

 

[farmer steve]

Yes, they are honey bees.

Here is a link to a bunch of information where you might someone in your area that can help. Click the swarm removal list on the left sidebar. looks like they are listed by county/location.
https://www.alabamabeekeepers.com/

 

[JTM]

I may know a little about bees. I used to haul bee hives between orange groves forty years ago. I want to keep them on my property. I have a beekeeper about a mile down the road. His position was to let’em alone. If I involve him then he’ll want the bees. I’ll probably trim up the tree a bit more.

 

[2412]

Don’t mess with them this time of year. Wait till spring.