GSM.WARDELL wrote:
>
> rmedders wrote:
> >
> > Hi Everyone,
> >
> > Can anyone offer suggestions for the questions below?
> >
> > Our compost bin has recently been taken over by honey bees. We would like to
> > know how to safely remove them without killing them, so we can have our bin
> > back.
> > Tom and Dawn Guined, from Maui, HI
> > [log in to unmask]
> >
> > Do you know of anyone who is using homeopathic remedies against bee mites?
> > Kathleen Moore [log in to unmask]
> >
> > Thanks for your help,
> > Sherry Medders
> > [log in to unmask]
> > http://beekeeping.miningco.com
>  From Geoff Wardell, Scotland UK.
>
> There are two possible ways of removing bees from the compost bin
> depending on access and time available both of which I have seen
> successfully carried out.
>
> 1. If the brood nest can be reached, prepare an empty hive with frames
> not fitted with foundation.  In the evening transfer the combs into
 the frames, holding them in place with foundation
re-inforcingwiretaking
> care not to damage or distort them any more than is neccessary. This is
> more important than filling the frames as the bees will do this for
> themselves in due course. When the bees have settled down move the hive
> to another site at least one mile distant or if it is possible to move
> the compost bin, set up the hive in the same location and move it later
> at leisure.
>
> 2 If it is possible to reduce the bees' access to their nest inside the
> compost bin to one small opening comprising a bee escape by which the
> bees can fly out but not re-enter their nest.  Set up a queen right hive
> close to the escape.  Flying bees, returning to the bin will be unable
> to enter and will drift into the queen right hive where they will be
> accepted because they will be loaded with honey and pollen.  After a
> month or two the compost bin will be empty of bees.  Of course the Queen
> will be lost