Any bee handlers/exterminators out there?

[GAmes]

I ****** off a bunch of what I think are honey bees today when I opened the tool box lid on my flatbed gooseneck trailer. There are a bunch of combs in there. I emptied a full can of bee spray into it, but the bees are still swarming. I'm thinking of a dose of Ortho-klor in the morning, but am open to suggestions.

 

[BILLVO]

Most effective, fastest and cheapest way to kill them is a can of ether. works almost instantly.

 

[BimmerAgent]

Don't kill 'em!

I used to keep bees, and if they are truly honeybees, I hate for them to be exterminated. Try finding a beekeeper... . he might be able to move the hive pretty easily. There is a quiet crisis for honeybees right now. They are dying off all over the country, threatening our food supply. Bruce

 

[GAmes]

I called the only 2 numbers for bee control in the phone book, and of course no answer on a week-end. I'll wait for Monday and try again, I don't need to use the trailer right now. The bees have formed in a cluster about the size of a football on a nearby tree limb, plus there are a few still buzzing around the nest. They are not aggressive which tells me they are not Africanized. Since they have not dispersed does that mean the queen is still alive?

 

[BimmerAgent]

She probably is, but even if she wasn't, if the hive is healthy enough, they'd raise another. Around here, I know a beekeeper would come and get 'em. Hope you don't have to kill 'em. They really are good to have around. Bruce

 

[fest3er]

If they've gathered on a branch, then the queen is there. They'll stay there until the scouts find a new home. Then they'll vanish in a swarm.

Too bad you couldn't build a hive for them. Bee puke is yummy.

N

 

[GAmes]

I called the county extension agent today. They could only give me names of pest control companies. There are no bee keepers locally. I opted out and have bee watching the cluster on the branch. It is getting smaller, so I'm not sure if they are dieing off or what. The nest inside my toolbox has very little activity, but there are a few bees inside it sort of tending the combs? I'll just wait them out.

 

[GAmes]

If they've gathered on a branch, then the queen is there. They'll stay there until the scouts find a new home. Then they'll vanish in a swarm.

To close this out, that is what happened. I looked out my window and they were gone. A few still in the toolbox, but I'll bet they will be gone in the morning. Thanks for the info.

 

[BimmerAgent]

Sounds like they found a new home. Glad they're not a bother to you any more, and that you didn't have to kill 'em. Bruce

 

[DJW]

BimmerAgent, I read one of the oldest English Laws relating to Honey Bees, a Beekeeper can follow the Hive across ground not owned or rented to him, without hinder or trespass.