My aunt, Christine Stockwell, and I went on a hive removal together today. With my trusty bee vac in hand we arrived at Lonesome Oak Ranch. The ranch, just in the beginnings of becoming a wildlife rehab center, told us at a local farmers market that they had a large established hive in their shed. This was to bee there first rehab! ;) Spring is just beginning, the hive was just starting to bring in a small nectar flow.......the perfect time for removal. We took down the large comb area and followed the hive down behind the cabinet. Luckily everything was fairly easily accessable unlike many of the removals we have done. No standing on ladders........that is always a plus for me! After we were finished it was apparent we got the queen as the loose bees that took to flight during the removal were settling on my bee vac box. When all was loaded, the loose bees were trying to get into my truck. Yes! your momma is in there! and so in the end we pulled out three deep frames full of brood that we were able to save........inserted them, along with the vacuumed bees & queen into a new home.
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