Honey bees

13 years ago

I have a couple of questions about bees. We have had a hive of bees in our garage for three years. It is detached from our house. They have their hive up in the eave. I don't want to harm them but I also don't want to take the structure of the building apart either. Tile roof and brick walls.

First question is will this hive eventually do harm to our garage? Is there really a need to remove the bees? My problem is that we are going to have the house and garage painted in June. If there is no problem leaving the bees I may be able to plug the hole they are entering long enough to let the workers do their job (two or three days) and then open it up again.

Secondly it appears from what I've read that there is no easy way to remove the hive with out getting into the structure and literally removing them. Is this wrong? I don't mind having them around as they pollinate the fruit trees and flowers on our 5 acre property.

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

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Comments (2)

larry_gene
13 years ago
You would get a better response by posting on the GardenWeb Bees & Beekeeping forum.

It may not be a good idea to plug the entrance hole for multiple days in hot weather.

A local professional beekeeper will be the best source of advice.
freebirdsfly
13 years ago
Hi kacee,

no doubt: your timing is not very bee-friendly. Best thing would be to paint in winter or directly after swarming season. (Probably early July). Than the hive will be not so full and it will be a little less stress for the bees to be trapped.

Unfortunatly, I dont know what a eave is, maybe I could give you more specific advise on how to trap the bees. Generally it is possible to trap the bees. But of course: the shorter the better!

The most beefriendly way to do this would be to attach a beeproove mesch so to allow air circulation. Also it would be great to give them water (esp. if it s hot) you can do so by just spraying water.

Bees can be very protective over their hive. Wear whight or at least light, longsleeve cloth, no wool, no perfume, fragrant ect. Abstain from alkohol already the day before. Gloves and vail are great. Of course, if you know a beekeeper in your area ask for help.

Another advice: use bee-friendly paint. Bees can be severely harmed by agressive solvent.

Good luck!
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