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So, some may have noticed a note I posted last night. Pics were requested, so here's the story.
Yesterday afternoon, at what has become the neighborhood kids' "let's fool around after dinner" time, I brought my daughter out to see who was riding on what scooter, or who had inflated what leaky pool, etc. The whole neighborhood was crowded at my next-door-neighbor's house, to witness this:
Yes, it's a honeybee swarm. My neighbor had already called an exterminator, who wasn't going to make it until the next day. Mrs. Robb, of course, had other plans. I was just happily taking pictures.
The swarm was acorn-shaped, about the size of two basketballs, and was 100% bees -- on a branch about at eye level. Here's the close-up:
Anyhow, Mrs. Robb kept bees back when she was in the Peace Corps in South America. She mulled it over a bit, and finally told me we were adopting the bees. She cleared it with the neighbor (who really just wanted to get 30,000 bees a little further away from his front door!), and she found a beekeeping supply place that not only answered their phone at 8:30 on a Sunday night, but whose owner hopped in his car to go open the store so Mrs. Robb could buy a nice bee box ready-to-go.
Apparently there's some urgency to these things; when bees swarm, it's because they've ditched their old hive as being too small. They're kind of hanging out (!) while the scouts go find a new spot to set up shop. It only lasts a day or two; the bee store dude was amazed at the serendipity of someone with experience handling bees getting a swarm they could reach without a ladder right next door. It seems people spend a lot of time looking for bees.
Anyhoo. She ran out and got the box while my helper and I suited up.
OK, she didn't really help. She's 3. But she caught me in the early moments when I was still considering wearing a motorcycle helmet. Hell, I was planning to look like an astronaut, but when Mrs. Robb didn't even wear the goggles I dutifully brought her, I felt like a weenie.
So, I wore the goggles.
The plan was to walk over with the big branch loppers, and I'd cut through the branch the bees were on while Mrs. Robb held the branch itself; once I'd cut the branch, she'd just walk out of the neighbors' yard and into ours, then plop the bees into their new box. My neighbor held the flashlights -- 30 feet back.
You'll understand why I don't have any pictures of me trying to cut a branch without waking up 30,000 bees inches from my helmet-less face. But I managed it, and to my amazement (if not Mrs. Robb's), the little dudes barely budged. In fact, as I was walking ahead and opening gates and such, I snapped off a picture of my eternally-surprising-me-with-mad-skillz wife, holding the new charges right before she dropped 'em in.
Nothing sexier than a woman in a balaclava carrying a swarm of bees.
Next I took the lid off the bee box, removed a few of the vertical comb dealies to make some room, and she tapped the branch and knocked the bees in. After a bit we put the comb deals back in (sorry I don't know what they're called, it's my first day!). At first they didn't fit snugly -- there were bees underneath! Eventually the little guys worked their way down, we put on the lid, and went to bed.
And they stuck around. Here they are this morning:
Nice digs, I think. Plus they're right next to several established apple, peach and pear trees. Strawberries and raspberries, too, all of which I hope will also see the benefit of a local bee population.
I'd say "ask me anything," but I still know nothing. Tell me anything!
NYC_SKP
(68,644 posts)And, thank you for helping to restore our decimated bee population!
bluesbassman
(19,361 posts)Thanks for the story and pics.
TahitiNut
(71,611 posts)And a dad who's a dingbat. That's what I'd call "good parenting."
rug
(82,333 posts)Robb
(39,665 posts)...but I have a hopeful expression on my face, and a slice of toasted bread in my hand.
montanto
(2,966 posts)trof
(54,256 posts)Way to go, man!
Good job!
Swede
(33,206 posts)awoke_in_2003
(34,582 posts)LaurenG
(24,841 posts)I hope they love their new home and great job because bees really do need all the help they can get.
Denninmi
(6,581 posts)I have just one suggestion for you, if you do this again in the daytime (because I don't think what I'm going to suggest will work at night).
To hive them without shaking the swarm and disturbing them, just take a number of frames of drawn comb, and gently hold one up to the swarm, and kind of "saw" into the swarm about an inch with a back and forth motion. The bees in that area will immediately begin flooding onto the comb. When that frame is reasonably full of bees, put it in the hive body and repeat with a another frame of drawn comb. It will probably take about 10 frames to hive a swarm that size. The bees that go onto the first combs will begin to "fan" the message that "hey, we found a good spot". Some will fly back to the swarm, others will begin to go the other way. But eventually, when you get the queen in the hive body, the entire mass will start to dissolve at the original swarm site and re-assemble in the have. When you're satisfied they are going in, put the inner and top covers on, and wait for the stragglers -- those you can remove by hand and deposit at the front of the hive.
That is the method I used when circumstances allowed --just had a swarm from my hive about 2 weeks ago and did this. Works well and is less stressful on everyone.
You mean I don't just out a jar under there and wait for mead to pour?
That method sounds so elegant. I hope I get a chance to try it!
joanbarnes
(1,721 posts)cliffordu
(30,994 posts)HopeHoops
(47,675 posts)Flaxbee
(13,661 posts)with a trailer just pulled in - largish hive boxes covered in neon-orange breathable fabric were strapped on the truck. Whole bunch o' bees; local honey guys making a delivery to Delaware.
This was interesting a few weeks ago - Sanjay Gupta on CNN about an urban (NYC) beekeeper helping others set up their own hives: http://whatsnext.blogs.cnn.com/2012/05/15/manhattans-busiest-beekeeper-is-a-man-with-a-mission/
GoneOffShore
(17,337 posts)I'm impressed!
I don't know if would happen here in Philly, or if we could deal with them.
But it would be good to try. We do know a guy who's an avid beekeeper and an actor.
Ednahilda
(195 posts)Just moments ago I was listening to "Radio Times" on WHYY, the Philadelphia NPR affiliate, which has terrific daytime programs. The topic of the 11:00 hour was beekeeping and included a hobbyist beekeeper right in Philadelphia. Here's a link (I hope): http://whyy.org/cms/radiotimes/
wryter2000
(46,023 posts)Ednahilda
(195 posts)Nice to be here!
nolabear
(41,932 posts)Lochloosa
(16,061 posts)great job!
YellowRubberDuckie
(19,736 posts)...where have I been? When did you get married and have a daughter? Where the hell have I been?
2ndly, that's awesome what you guys are doing. I hope they flourish and you have to buy a 2nd box!
Tsiyu
(18,186 posts)Great beginning for a novel.
Made me lol.
Great family experience.
Woody Woodpecker
(562 posts)"Brenda decided to do bee duty, so she dresses up looking like a ninja and started to harvest the bees from its current hive.. Nothing sexier than a woman in a balaclava carrying a swarm of bees."
Tuesday Afternoon
(56,912 posts)Kali
(55,003 posts)Thanks so much for getting and posting the pix! I have been wanting to try bees (and pigs) forever.
I know where there are a couple of wild hives but I am kind of afraid of them. One bunch kind of got after us one year, not sure why - the only other time they got aggressive was when somebody was working on an old vehicle under "their" tree. Otherwise, like the drive-way ants, they seem to know who we are and we all leave each other alone until one party starts getting too close, like us standing in the ant hole, or them opening a hole on our side of the gate...
GoCubsGo
(32,074 posts)They have moved up into the Southwest, and they're more aggressive in defense of their hives, although they're not really "killers" like the movies portray. They are just more easily provoked and hyper-defensive than European honeybees.
It wouldn't hurt to get a bee keeper out to your place to have a look at them. He or she might be able to get them into a hive box for you. And, if they're the Africanized type, they might be able to replace the queen with either a European queen or a less-aggressive strain of Africanized.
Kali
(55,003 posts)it is assumed the all are around here
good idea to get someone else to move them if I ever get ready to try keeping them
sarge43
(28,940 posts)They're aggressive, very aggressive. Frankly, if they are, I'd get rid of them. Too bad, but with little Robbette around, can't take the risk.
harmonicon
(12,008 posts)You're better off just using the bees to make honey, which can go well with pork.
Kali
(55,003 posts)Skinner
(63,645 posts)I had no clue that bees would clump into a big ball like that. I can't believe your wife actually carried them next door like that. And a cute kid pic, too. What a great post. Thank you for sharing.
Rhiannon12866
(204,774 posts)And the pix are terrific! I learned a few things by reading this, but I'd probably be more skittish than you (even though I do carry spiders and ants outside in a paper cup).
Kudos to Mrs. Robb and her amazing talents! Looks like a win for all involved and your assistant is adorable.
YankeyMCC
(8,401 posts)and support life!
I wish I could tell you something helpful, I know nothing, so just encouragement here.
Great story
Bertha Venation
(21,484 posts)Not bad for a dingbat.
lunatica
(53,410 posts)It's actually quite inspiring. Most people would want to kill the whole hive.
Old and In the Way
(37,540 posts)Ptah
(33,019 posts)Voice for Peace
(13,141 posts)BanzaiBonnie
(3,621 posts)If you haven't already seen it, this is a wonderful film. As a documentary, it's both entertaining and educational. A friend of mine is in the film.
I say you did a good job! Yay for the bees.
nadine_mn
(3,702 posts)Seriously - with bee populations in crisis to be able to save a hive is fantastic.
I really love this!
mopinko
(69,994 posts)how very cool. i don't know where a dingbat like you found a wife like that. what a lucky man you are!
lucky bees, too. damn.
tclambert
(11,084 posts)You realize you now have to read all those books to your 3-year-old, something like a hundred times each.
sinkingfeeling
(51,438 posts)soffit of my new porch. Bee keepers came to take them away and did about $400 worth of damage to the soffit and fascia of the porch roof.
Ednahilda
(195 posts)Lots of people get worked up when they see a swarm which is a really impressive sight. In reality, swarming honeybees are pretty calm and aren't aggressive.
The best thing you can do is to join your local beekeeping association - every region/county has one. You'll get hands-on help from experienced local beekeepers and most of the groups I've been involved with have regular guest speakers. It's a fabulous education.
Good luck with your bees!!
Woody Woodpecker
(562 posts)I want to drive over to the Western Slope to pick up fresh honey!
Good luck, Robb..
P.S., my son is also 3
TexasProgresive
(12,155 posts)1. be careful using power mower or weed eater near the hive - they don't much like it.
2. If the bees become aggressive after they settle into their new home you might consider requeening with a sweeter girl.
babylonsister
(171,034 posts)fizzgig
(24,146 posts)i'm glad you guys were able to save the hive
RiffRandell
(5,909 posts)My kids really enjoyed the pics as well---but I think my daughter's favorite one was of the Jesse pajamas.
Good luck, and keep us posted! We planted several Salvia plants in our garden this year and the Bumbles love them. Most of the plants we choose are to attract birds, bees and butterflies.
How much was the box? I googled them, and they were pretty expensive.
Cleita
(75,480 posts)Plant them or put them in containers. The bees love lavender and honeysuckle. I have several bushes and plenty of bees working on them.
Voice for Peace
(13,141 posts)thank you!
I got many smiles and laughs from your post, well done Bee Family!!!
AllyCat
(16,140 posts)Wish I knew anything about them except that they are beautiful, in trouble, and good for my garden and flowers (said as my kids just begged me for a honey stick at the co-op).
freshwest
(53,661 posts)berni_mccoy
(23,018 posts)This makes me so incredibly happy to see! Bless you for doing this! The only bees I ever see around my house are dying ones. It saddens me no end.
lunasun
(21,646 posts)nice manifestation by all involved
MADem
(135,425 posts)Recursion
(56,582 posts)I see some very delicious breakfasts in your future.
AnneD
(15,774 posts)he also has a rep in the county for removing wild hives. He was telling me that the only time he refused was at a house that had been abandon for some time. Honey dripping from the ceiling. He said the home owners would have to give him a letter of indemnity. He is just like grandpa...a bee whisperer. A hive like that is worth at least $350-$450 in the spring. And they look so healthy. Congrats.
I just love bees.
sarge43
(28,940 posts)You were quite fortunate. Sometimes the scouts can find a new home within 15 minutes and they waste no time informing the swarm. You also lucked out that they settled within arm's reach; they don't always do that. Ours have gathered in a car grill, center of a rose bush, garage roof and fifty feet up in a tree.
Very nice digs. One suggestion: Raise the hive off the ground a bit, doesn't have to be much, but enough to keep any pooled water out. Your beekeeping supplier will have hive stands.
Get at least one beekeeper's helmet with net. You don't want the girls stinging anywhere on your face. That can be unpleasant.
My in house beekeeper recommends you google Backward Beekeepers. He found them one of the best online bee info sites. They specialized in capturing and caring for swarms.
Honey bees: They take little and give so much in return.
ceile
(8,692 posts)lumberjack_jeff
(33,224 posts)Cool!
KT2000
(20,568 posts)and you too. That is very cool and a pretty exciting adventure.
horseshoecrab
(944 posts)Excellent teamwork! Talk about opportunity buzzing ... er ... knocking!
Kudos all around to you and your beautiful family.
Nice neighbors too.
Wish I could contribute some knowledge at all, but I know that you've done a great thing by herding those critters there!
Enjoy!
wryter2000
(46,023 posts)Your wife is amazing. So are you. So are your bees!
handmade34
(22,756 posts)awesome pictures... the frames have the foundation in them which the bees build on to create the comb which they fill with honey or brood.. give them something to eat to supplement while they build up the comb in the new hive... sugar water.. I always used to use a front entrance feeder
You will LOVE bees!!! I had 11 hives at one time just gave my last two to my brother last summer.
Charles Mraz... famous beekeeper in Vermont (also worked with bee venom therapy)
http://www.champlainvalleyhoney.com/charlesmraz.htm
also good book...
Auggie
(31,133 posts)awoke_in_2003
(34,582 posts)too many people would have just killed them. I wish we had bees- all we seem to get are yellowjackets. And they MUST die- quickly.
pa28
(6,145 posts)I really enjoyed the story and the shots. Keep us posted Robb.
Bossy Monkey
(15,863 posts)Or I Married A Beekeeping Ninja
Fla Dem
(23,587 posts)redqueen
(115,103 posts)is *awesome*. Thanks for sharing the story and pics.
oldandhappy
(6,719 posts)Thank you for this, lots and lots. Found it when I clicked on your name while looking for the 'water' video. Still looking for the 'water' commencement address. Would like to post it on my FB. If you could send me a link, that would be great. In the mean time, hope the bees are still doing well. Local bee keeper moved all his bees to places where his cell phone doesn't work and the bees are thriving.
oldandhappy
(6,719 posts)No problem. Was able to post it.