Guilfordbeekeepers.org

How long did you stay after I left and how well were they going in?

I stayed about another 10 minutes.
They seemed to be going in rather well.

L&H and TJ were still there when I left. Maybe they can add more info.

They really looked good when we left. The bees were still gathering towards the bottom but since we moved the hive lower the were now crawling into the hive. HOWEVER........when I returned around 6 pm i was really excited to see NO bees on the tree at all. I watched a few bees flying in and out at the side with the eggs. I was excited. I checked in with the Ingools and the were excited that it looked as though it was working. I said hey and told them I wanted a few pics for the others. They said fine and I went to the hive. I took some pics (see below) and decided I would open the top for a look see. I couldn't believe it worked so well. NO bees at all anywhere on the tree. WELL....when I opened the top I only saw about a dozen bees in the hive. I was crushed!!! Where did they go. I mean ALL that work for them and they appeared to not even appreciate it. I am trying to find humor. But on the serious side, I will be back over there tomorrow around 5 or 6 and will re-evaluate again. Wally???? Help??

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Did you check the bushes in the area for a swarm?
Since they had only been there a week, she may have left the tree. No brood in the tree, no reason to stay around when the bees quit coming in.

OH! WELL!!!!
Take notes and call it a learning experience.
Pooh says...With bees, you just never can tell.

I did look around for just a minute. We were on our way back from the grocery store so we couldn't tarry too long. I am glad we got the bees out for them, I just wish we could have gotten the bees. I will update tonight when I get home. It was still awesome learning the entire procedure. Thanks again Wally!!!!

Awww, that's too bad. It feels like the jokes on us. Maybe next time when we know they haven't been in a hole long, we'll wait around and see what the Queen does. It was really great to be there. Thanks Wally and others. Let me know when you want to come clean up the tree, I'll help. Tracey

Same here L&H if they are gone let us know when you are going to pick up the equipment. I will bring some screw drivers or knives to help get all that great stuff out.
Ski

Wait just a minute!!! I went by today and seen the bees going in and out. So I went home home and got my veil and gloves and went back. Opened the top and seen about two frames of bees!!! I did not look long because I did not smoke them. I was very encouraged. I only seen one bee trying to get out of the cone. What does that mean Wally?? Is the queen still there?? How much longer would you wait??? A few bees were still trying to get in around the base of the cone. That made me think the queen may be in there. I will go again tomorrow if nobody else can. I would like for somone else to look and get a different evaluation. Either way I will be glad to do whatever. I hope they make it. I will introduce a queen if need be.

Patience is a virtue. WAIT!!!

Just leave everything as is. If you get by there, look for a second entrance every few days. Check around the edge of the plywood, especially at the bottom, for a way for them to get back in. With the lemongrass oil and the brood in the box, she may have been in a bush with a swarm when you were there, then later went to the box. Or you may have misdiagnosed the situation Yesterday. Let's just wait and see what develops this week. Maybe we can all check it this weekend.

I can go by and check tomorrow. I will look for another entrance will have my caulk gun handy and maybe a little screening just in case I notice one. lol this is cool.

Thanks Ski. I looked for signs of other entrances and I found nothing. The only bees we seen flying in and out of the hive were the ones coming back INTO the hive. A couple landed near the base of the cone but walked back into the hive. You are correct...this is COOL!! They may be home tomorrow so introduce yourself. They are a lovely retired couple. I can't wait until you post!!!

I went by the trapout site today around 1:15 and stayed for about 20 minutes this is what I observed.

Bees going into and leaving the hive on a regular basis. Some of the ones going in had pollen.

There were bees approx 8-10 at the base of the cone trying to get back into the tree. A few others were at the base of the cones plywood walking around but did not see any gain access to the inside of the tree. I did not see any other entrances.

There were several bees in the cone trying to get out but would only come up the cone part way, sometimes to within half an inch of the end of the cone but would turn around and go back. Every now and then a bee would come out the end of the cone. I saw 5-6 come out in the time I was there. But there always seemed to be several in the cone going up near the end and back down again.

I did meet Mr. Ray Ingool, very nice and easy going about what we were doing.

It appeared that more bees would exit the cone if it was about 2-3 inches shorter. But maybe given enough time they will find there way out.

Wally would it help to make the cone shorter?

Ski

I repeat.....Patience is a virtue. WAIT!!!

It sounds to me like everything is right on track. Couldn't ask for anything better.

I will be stopping by the site tomorrow for a look see!!!