Bee problem

[beastmaster]

Today I removed a large Euc. The tree had a big beehive about half way up. I climbed above the hive and limbed the tree removing several large branches and all the brush. I then quickly took out the branches around the hive and below it. I dropped a 30 ft stick and all hell broke lose. Long story short, in the morning I have to buck it up and remove it. I really hate to kill those bees, but I can't find a bee keeper who will take them. Also the swarming pissed off bees are a hazard to near by homes. I am thinking of useing a fire extinguisher full of soapy water. Anyone ever use that technique with success? I have a bee suit so approaching the hive shouldn't be a problem. Any advice would be a big help. Thanks

 

[pdqdl]

We ran into some similar problems yesterday: 4 big paper wasp nests in some bushes. Here is how we solved the problem:

You will have much better results if you take them on at night. The little buggers settle down at night, and you can get them all.

Soapy water works well on bees, but only if you can get it on them. Sadly, I don't know how to make the soap solution that will work. They use soapy water on the killer bees, so I'm sure it will work for you. I doubt if it is possible to get it on all the bees in a tree.

If you can arrange for the delay: suit up and trim all obstructions away from the nest entrance. A bee smoker will settle them somewhat. You can make your own, using clean dry rags as a fuel to make smoke. Once you have cleared the opening, spray inside the nest (preferably at night when they are all inside) with a good wasp & hornet killer. Be sure to figure out where all the exits to the hive are before you try this.

Otherwise, just wear the suit and take them down. You should know that the groundmen will need suits too. Even if you kill the entire hive in the daytime, returning bees will be pretty upset to find you sawing up their house on the ground.

I kill off yellow jacket nests pretty frequently without using a suit. Come back at night, hose them down while they are dormant. I did one of those last friday: I tipped the whole nest upside down (by accident) in the dark- no problem. I just quickly turned off the flashlight, waited 10 minutes, and went over and killed all the bees.

 

[outofmytree]

We spray them 2-3 days before then do the job. Glad you didnt get stung up there. That is nasty!