Jerry wrote re. feral bees:
>>Ok, so let's look at pollination and honey production. Surely, the feral colonies pollinate and make honey.
I'd like to add, as a few here have pointed out a vertical cavity (vs. a horizontal one) encourages a bigger honey crop. Feral bees have a limited choice of cavity sights. A feral colony in an eave typically has a small honey crop. A vertical wall or a tree colony, has always had a larger than average crop in my experience.
Feral queens placed in standard equipment produced a larger crop than purchased NWC queens in my statistically limited experience. BUT I have not been thrilled with the size and patterns of my purchased NWC queens. Hence, I am not implying that GOOD purchased NWC queens underperform feral queens! :)
>>Similarly, they make honey, but its not easy to harvest (or at
least not as convenient). Actually, some might argue that its easier to harvest - just chop down the tree -- no extractors needed.
I have found collected feral honey aesthetically undesireable for human consumption. Whether it's a tree or a house, 9 out of 10 times, you are dealing with broken combs *contaminated* with debris. Mostly dust and particle debris from decayed wood. Probably just fine to eat but unaestetic nonetheless.
And, regardless of what the homeowner claims, there is a real possibility the nest had been sprayed at some point in time. Perhaps by a previous home owner. If the bees look healthy, especially the sensitive brood, I have found it prudent to feed the feral honey back to the bees in hives not currently used for honey production. Why take a chance.
Regards,
Waldemar
Long Island, NY
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