Greg,
 
If you don't want to give yourself extra work of chopping down a tree
(unless you need the fire wood) or stripping the siding off a house and
rebuilding it, then I would recommend using the wire cone/bait hive method.
 
I have used this method on houses and trees with great success.  In fact I
am currently taking a nice colony out of an oak tree.  Takes about 6- 8
weeks and the colony builds up really quickly because 2 queens are laying.
Make sure you seal up the house and tree so that there is not an
infestation next year.  I use wire, cement or the insulation material that
comes in spray cans.
 
This method also saves a feral hive from eventual destruction by the mite.
 
Good luck.
 
Paul Cronshaw DC
Cyberchiro and Hobbyist Beekeeper
Santa Barbara, CA  USA
 
 
 
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Date:    Mon, 12 May 1997 20:35:30 -0400
From:    Greg & Melinda Holley <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: "free" bees
 
I have the chance to attempt getting two feral hives.  One is in an old wood
sided house. There are several holes where the bees are going in and out.  I
thought about trying to stop up all the holes ,but one and use a screen
funnel and hive.  Is this possible on an older house or am I just wasting my
time?
 
The second one is a colony in a dead tree that is low to the ground.  Should
I just cut the tree and bring it home and then get the bees or should I use
a different method?
 
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