"Your not going to like this answer. Leave it and walk away."

I agree. I'm a licensed Landscape Contractor and arborist and one thing
about oaks is that they often have cavities inside, as has been said, but
the cambium layer typically surround the hole so tightly that you can't
get your hand in. I do subcontracting for one of the biggest tree
companies in our area when they get a bee tree, and I almost always have
to cut the tree or major limb down to get the bees. I alway enjoy it, as
even though the honey has to be creamed because of sawdust etc..it fetches
a premium with hard core health food types. I usually throw away most of
the brood, as by the time you get it out it is so disturbed that the bees
really can't rear them, but I like to save a couple eggs so I can honestly
tell the client that there's a good chance I can give the hive a new home.
About half the time (at least around here) they've got foul brood which is
another reason to throw away the brood, and I quaranteen the new hive.

Tim
evergreenlandscaping.net

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