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Bee swarm..

Robert

Robert

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Neighbours just asked if we had seen a lot of bees.

there is a swarm in their tree in their garden but on the side facing ours.

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Not worried by them. just something I've never seen before. the block of bees is about the size of 2 footballs.

Seems they may go away when they feel like it. if not neighbour has spoken to a bee keeper who could come and get them but i think he wanted a fee.
 
I contacted the Bee Keepers Association ? Who sent somebody along for free - they are normally quite keen to acquire the swarm though will check with the locals to see if it's gone from one of theirs?

Rod
 
My local exterminator firm would rehouse a bee swarm for free. I think they even have their own hives.

Might be worth enquiring locally.
 
Next doors bee man came and entertained us.

He poked the swarm with his 'bucket' on a stick
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He tipped them into his portable hive trying to make sure the queen went in.
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After that he just dropped them outside as they would follow the queens pheromones and take themselves in
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Those that stayed on the tree should either fly off or make their way into the hive overnight.
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He said it was a large swarm with about 50,000 bees.

I had a couple follow me while taking pictures but no aggression and no stings.

Should all be gone in the morning.
 
Great to see - I sadly had to gas (with petrol fumes) the remaining ones as the new queen had been taken too far away from them to find her.
That started to get very aggressive with frustration.

Rod
 
He is trying again now.

Must have missed the queen as they have migrated back to the tree!

Can't help thinking a shop vac and long hose would sort them :)
 
The solution in the end was something I'd suggested when they first arrived... cut the branch off the tree and take it away complete with bees. I wasn't there but I think he cleaned off the branch into one of his boxes rather than transport a lump of buzzing tree :)
 
There is still a sad little bunch of 20 - 30 lost souls gathered on a branch on the floor not knowing what to do. Bee man said any left behind would fly off but I think these are just waiting to die...
 
Robert":33ci7n9p said:
There is still a sad little bunch of 20 - 30 lost souls gathered on a branch on the floor not knowing what to do. Bee man said any left behind would fly off but I think these are just waiting to die...
Click to expand...

You could try mixing up a sugar solution and encouraging them to take it. I've done this a few times for a tired bee !! After a few sips, they seem to perk up and fly off.
 
RogerS":3gi8zdms said:
You could try mixing up a sugar solution and encouraging them to take it. I've done this a few times for a tired bee !! After a few sips, they seem to perk up and fly off.
Click to expand...

I'm looking over the fence into next doors garden at prunings on the ground so can't help them.
 
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