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?
