The problem is that one of the colonies has developed a very defensive
attitude. They come out to meet us, buzz us excessively the entire time we
are there and follow us as we leave. I would like to find and requeen this
colony, but in this close quarters it has proved difficult.
I would take put most of the brood in the bottom box(with bees) in a hive
and haul it away to a location that you could work it. Then move the
remainder off in an unoccupied spot in your compound so the population will
be low to work with and probably less aggressive. You can also put queen
excluders between sections and come back in 4 days and the section w/eggs is
where the queen is. Take it away on a hive bottom or be energized by the
fact that you have increased your odds...Put in a new queen where needed.
Don't be shy to use smoke.do work very slowly. It is amazing how slow and
deliberate movement can change beehavior at times.
John Horton
N Alabama
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