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What did I do wrong?
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Posted by ktbearpaws WV (My Page) on Mon, Sep 4, 06 at 22:23
I located a wild bee line but they followed me, instead of me following them. At one time, I must have had 30-40 bees coming to my box. I think I may have been close to the hive because it didn't take more than 1 minute for the bees to make a round trip. Also,it seemed that they would go in two different directions when they left for thier hive.They would leave me by flying up over the trees, but on thier return, they was flying maybe a few inches off the ground. Thier direction was almost impossible to follow with your eyes, due to the overhead follage. I spent the whole day trying to get a bearing on the direction they were going.
So what do I do the next time I try to find them again? |
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RE: What did I do wrong?
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WV, largest state in the union (if'n it was laid out flat). WEST by g-- Virgina!
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From an old KY bee liner, here's what you do to find that bee gum:
First of all, keep 'em coming to your location by putting out some sugar water.
Next blow some flour on them when they land - white makes them easier to see when they fly off and doesn't harm the bee.
Move your feeding station progressing in the direction you see them fly off. Sooner or later, you'll get a good idea where they're located. They may be pretty high up in a tree (20 feet or more).
You might try timing them (to the next time you see a white bee return) but I never had much luck with that. Too many variables as to how long the forager stays in the hive.
To speed things up a little, you can catch two or three bees at a time (at your feeding station) in a little box which will allow you to release them one at a time. And walk in the direction you see them fly away each time you release one. They may circle a time or two to get their bearings but if you got the flour on them, they'll be easy enough to follow. |
RE: What did I do wrong?
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Hey thanks txbeeguy , I found my tree today. I can't believe I did it!!!!
Now, It is like you said it wold be...20 ft in the air. In a huge hollow Maple.
Now I really have a lot of questions.
First, when should I rob them?
Second, how much should I rob them? I don't want to domesticate them.I think I should leave them wild. |
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