Tree hive removal

The dead poplar log with bees is being loaded by the landowner.



A 36" section of log was removed from the butt end. 2 blocks were removed from the top end just hitting the top side of the comb.

The log split..most of the bees are on the right side. There is some pancaking of the comb due to the ride home. All of the comb was soft and fresh, leading us to conclude that this is an early 2012 swarm.

We vacuum the loose bees first, then remove the comb.

The log has been cleaned. The bees will finish up what is left.

Swarm Capture #3

April 9th, this swarm was spotted on a sumac sapling along the edge of a hay field.

A honeysuckle vine had to be cut to allow for the bend.

A quick shake sent the bees into the box. Three frames had been removed.

Surveying the bees that stayed on the tree.

A couple squirts of sugar syrup.

The bees are settling into the box.

Swarm Capture

The first swarm of the 2012 season. Call was taken at 4:45 PM on March 24th. The season is early and the swarm is large.

The vacuum system was used to collect the bees.

Honey Bee Removal

Removal was done February 28, 2012

A large old home that is falling down.

The bees are located on the left side.

Someone had tried to get the bees to move in to a hive box.

The inside wall is warm between the window and corner.

A section of the sheet rock is removed from the bottom area of the cavity.

The vacuum process starts as soon as bees are visible.

Comb is removed from the wall, and secured in the frames.

Frames are then placed into a prepared deep super that will become the new brood chamber.

The final section is exposed and vacuumed clean.

Hive Wraps

A cut is made alone the white line to give a 18" x 36" sheet of material.

A 5/8" sq. stock piece of poplar 18" long is used to staple the fabric. 2 holes are pre- drilled 2" from each end.

The fabric is placed against the hive on the East & South exposure using 2 wood screws per wood support.

Ready for some sun.

Heart of Virginia Beekeepers Assoc.

February Meeting
Farmville, VA

2012 Club Officers

Ben Clark,vice president; Kary Reynolds, secretary; Katie Register, treasurer; Tommy Nelson, president

Katie;taking orders for hats and shirts with club's new logo

Guest Speaker; Mr. Dean Downs, Lynchburg, VA

Club members

Ben Clark auctioning a bottle of donated honey to the crowd

Honey Bee Removal

With temps in the mid 60s at the end of Jan., we are doing a 2nd cut out in the 1st month of 2012. Bees are working the Henbit blooms.

Honey Bee Removal

The first cut out of 2012. With unusually warm weather in January, we were able to move this colony for a contractor working on the house.