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
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