From: Chris Slade >So a mean hive is a mean hive is a mean hive. What is the best way to de-fang it and make use of its resources? Old timer beekeeper's trick: If the bees are genetically malevolent, only requeening will do. But that's hard to do if they are running all over the place and stinging the daylights out of you. Move the hive at least 30 feet. Do this in good weather when there's a flow on. To save the field force, put a nuc into a hive and put it in its place. This colony will get mean, but only temporarily. After a good day of flying most of the older (mean) bees will have left the one you moved, leaving only young bees. Its temper will have improved remarkably, making the queen easier to find, and her replacement is much more likely to be accepted. Dave Green Retired *********************************************** The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html Guidelines for posting to BEE-L can be found at: http://honeybeeworld.com/bee-l/guidelines.htm