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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