Page 1 of 1

Moving Hives

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2011 6:46 pm
by Doug Shaw
I am moving to the Memphis area and am in need of some advice. I will be moving 3 hives which already have 3 supers each on them. Bees are expanding like crazy. Can bees be moved anytime of the year? Going 650 miles with them. Plan on loading them on my trailer at dusk and move them at night. Not sure when this will happen depends when the house sells. I have seen several blogs that show how to move them. Seems like the biggest thing is to strap them in good and tight with entrance blocked and screened top to be prevent overheating. http://www.sfbee.org/pdfs/MovingHives.pdf.

Doug

Re: Moving Hives

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2011 7:52 pm
by Wally
You need to have them inspected and a health certificate issued before crossing state lines.

Re: Moving Hives

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2011 8:13 pm
by Doug Shaw
Did not know that thanks. Would Don Hopkins be the one to contact?

Re: Moving Hives

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2011 9:17 pm
by Wally
yep....

Re: Moving Hives

Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2011 11:28 am
by SmithN
Doug,
It's best to orient the hives/frames parrallel to the road to prevent the frames swinging/rocking during the trip.
Which can crush bees and could possibly harm your queen.
(I wish you good luck with your move and hope the Memphis area is rich with nectar sources)

Re: Moving Hives

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2011 12:07 pm
by Newbee Jim
Wally is right about the inspection. However, depending upon the state, the incoming state may inspect upon arrival especially if it is just 3 hives. I have not had much luck lately contacting Don.

Re: Moving Hives

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2011 6:01 pm
by Wally
If you can't contact Don, call Will Hicks.
(336) 599-6345

Or Email...
Will.Hicks@ncagr.gov

Re: Moving Hives

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2011 7:00 pm
by Doug Shaw
Will do, still have time. Thanks Wally.

Re: Moving Hives

Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2011 4:04 am
by Kurt Bower
Have moved hives successfully every year for the past 10.
I recommend not screening the bees in and moving them at night.
The only 2 meltdowns I ever had were screened in.

Kurt

Re: Moving Hives

Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2011 3:15 pm
by Doug Shaw
Kurt, Just load them, strap them down and go? I was planning on make the move at night.