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Wild honeybee hive damaged
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Posted by DPallas z6, SW Mo (My Page) on Sat, Oct 1, 05 at 0:06
| A friend's neighbor cut down a hollow red oak, and now there's a broken branch with a broken hive and honey comb splattered on the ground. He wants to know if the bees can survive this way (in Prairie Grove, IL) and if not, should he find a local club to collect the bees? He wonders if beekeepers may not be interested because of the possibility of disease being introduced by the wild bees.
They aren't a nuisance, he just doesn't want them to die. If he leaves them alone, will they make a new hive elsewhere before winter? |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Wild honeybee hive damaged
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| Their chances of surviving in an open hive for the winter are slim. A mild winter with something to cut the wind, perhaps. The problem with them re-establishing themselves is that the queen is incapable of flight. With her distended abdomen (even at this time of year), she will have to walk to the new digs. The best bet is to contact a beekeeper and explain the situation. If he/she doesn't want them, perhaps they can suggest somebody else. With the honey splattered and the nest demoralized, if you can't find somebody in the next couple of days it may be too late. The smell of honey will attract everything in the neighborhood. Raccoons, cats, birds and most of the species of insects in a half a mile should show up for the feast. Think of the situation of 3 beer trucks loaded with cans overturned. How long before every suds drinking human would show up? |
RE: Wild honeybee hive damaged
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| I see, thank you, that makes perfect sense. |
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