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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