July 21, 2007 - Discovery: A Wild Swarm Here on the Farm
With the uncertainty that has accompanied the outbreak of Colony Collapse Disorder ("CCD") this year, along with the March 1st tornado that zipped through the rear of our farm downing a 100+ huge hardwoods, I decided to put my beekeeping plans on hold until Spring 2008. Our timetable of projects for the farm have continued to be pushed back and pushed back - further supporting my decision. In April, after attending a cutflower workshop hosted by Georgia Organics that revealed that even the local instructor had lost ten out of a dozen colonies to CCD - the decision was sealed.
Funny how things happen.
As fate would have it, guess what turned up on the fringe of our rear wood line and right in the middle of tornado debris clearing?
A wild swarm that has taken up residence in a dead tree:
Here's a video I made while standing right at the tree - the bees could have cared less that I was standing right there photographing them! They were so busy going back and forth - flying in and out - I was just a bystander while they were working so hard.
Our dilemma?
This tree sits right in the middle of clean up work being done. I have been unsuccessful in contacting beekeepers who capture swarms and move or set them up in a box hive. Anyone close by in East Central Georgia who could drop by and help us out? It is my understanding that wild swarms like this one do not survive well in the wild here in Georgia due to disease and pests - I would love to capture this one and move to one my own hives - however, I have NO experience with live bees whatsoever and while I have purchased some used hive equipment, my hive is no where near ready for bee installation.
My Dad suggested that tomorrow just at dark, we stuff a good-sized rag in the hole to block the bees from exiting, then the bull dozier man can finish up what he's doing on Monday and we could unstop the hole that evening.........I'm not sure about this idea; sounds like wishful thinking.
Any suggestions out there?
Can you believe it?
4:30 p.m. UPDATE: I finally was able to contact a beekeeper in Middle Georgia and after explaining and describing the situation, he advised that once a colony of bees has taken resdience (whether in a tree or the eaves of a house), they will not leave the hive - thus there is no capturing to relocate.
Bummer - I really wish we were able to just leave them be. Ideas anyone?
Comments
July 21, 2007 - BEES: what a fortunate turn of events!
Posted by Anonymous
Talkl about something good coming from 'bad' events!
I hope the trees bring you as much fortune as the beehive discovery. Tho' I hate to see the trees go down, I do envy you!
I am offering a totally ingorant piece of advice to you because it's what I would do if I should have such fortune as to find a wild hive:
1) Ask the tree-clearing crews to avoid the tree (wrap a red ribbon on it or something), and hope that the bees won't mind all the commotion around them.
2) Finish getting your hives ready.
(I am in this exact same predicament of restoring used hives - nearly black with dirt and debris in the abandoned combs of honey - the previous owner didn't overwinter her hives well and the colony died.)
3) Place your finished hives not too near the tree, (but close enough that they'd certainly be aware of it), come fall, and keep some 'bee food' and water available at the empty hive.I have heard that bees are attracted to used hives, because they smell the honey and go to investigate.
4) In the spring -or whenever the tree might prove too small for their colony (I read that 'swarms' naturally occur when a hive becomes too small for the growing colony but am not sure what time of year this occurs).
5) wait to see if they branch off into your hives.
Please keep us all posted on your decision and events that follow!
I love your blog!
-Illoura
(pictures of my hive project in progress, on my photo blog at:
http://ParadiseRanch.spaces.live.com/)
July 21, 2007 - I'm new to beekeeping as well...
Posted by mulberrylane
IT would seem that maybe the hive would eventually grow and need to relocate...(like if part of it swarmed on the ground) and at that point, maybe having something nearby might be beneficial. I've heard it is hard to relocate wild beehives... but it sure would be a shame to lose a beehive when so many are falling apart!
Good luck!
Warmly, ~Melissa
I'll need to read up on your past blog entries... I am looking for good beekeeping info... I am renting bees this summer and the opportunity for teaching has not been here as the "owner" who said he would teach me... has been too busy to do so... *Sigh* So, I am contemplating jumping in next year or not... seems they helped the apple tree pollination and I see them in the garden around the squash and melon plants... Decisions, decisions!
Edited by mulberrylane on July 21, 2007 at 05:30
