Hello Peter & All, The method is quite common in fact but for years many aspects of large commercial beekeeping were kept secret. I don't believe the method has ever been discussed on any list before. Allen Dick pointed to the method in his article on "moving bees in daylight" published in Bee Culture years ago. Even pulling supers with bees if the load of supers is to travel a long distance to lower the amount of bees left in the hive after a honey flow. Maybe the methods seem crude to the hobby beekeeper but they are used in the commercial beekeeping industry. I have used both methods talked about but please do not call Peta! Sincerely, Bob Harrison Ps. If we do not hear from Allen Dick before long we will be forced to pay the ransom asked as he must indeed be held hostage at some remote location. -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l for rules, FAQ and other info ---