Last week a beehive moved into one of my birdhouses in the backyard. I have mix emotions about this new neighbor, I always been a big fan of bees, they are incredible insects and so important to our gardens. They are also very dangerous to have around, when they get spook watch out.
Several years ago a beehive moved into a top corner of my roof. We coexisted for a while, until one day when the bees decided that the dog and I were not welcome in that corner of the garden. Walking under the hive felt like been under attack by kamikaze planes. The cute bees ended up costing me over $1000 in exterminator fees and fixing expenses for the roof.
This time I don’t want to use an exterminator, so I been calling beekeepers in the area to see if the want the hive, but no takers so far. I was told by a beekeeper that wild hives are problematic and difficult to get.
This time I don’t want to use an exterminator, so I been calling beekeepers in the area to see if the want the hive, but no takers so far. I was told by a beekeeper that wild hives are problematic and difficult to get.
For now I will share my garden with the bees, but this is a temporary arrangement, sooner or later they must go. I am hoping I can find them a good home.
9 comments:
Uh-oh, you may need to call the exterminators sooner than later, as they can pose a danger in high numbers. I love bees too, but your safety & your families is paramount. Be careful ! Gina
Oh my gosh!! I don't believe I could live that close to a beehive..be so, so very careful..
Have you anyway of knowing what kind of bees they are? European honey bees are safe, african honey bees are very aggressive and could be a danger to you and your family. I would love to keep bees in my garden but I fear them a bit. Good luck.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that you will be able to find them a good home as that would be the best thing to do. But I understand that health & safety of you and your family is also a concern.
Wow, there is a lot to be said on this subject. First a couple of sites that you might find interesting and positive.
http://beehuman.blogspot.com/
http://www.cityfarmer.org/beekeepNY.html
http://www.cjly.org/deconstructingdinner/031810.htm
Another resource you have is to go to the Miami Dade Fire Station 29 in Sweetwater and ask if the Venom guys/gals are there. They are a wealth of information on bees, specifically on those "Africanized". Most wild bees in South Florida have a percentage of "bad bee" in them because of how and when they swarm. There are some very good new videos that help identify a non dangerous from a seriously dangerous hive.
If things get ugly...
If the bees do agitate - the saying is Run, Run Run and keep running. They will chase up to a quarter of a mile. Also, Vibration is a factor in angering a bad hive.
Finally, somehow, we are going to have to learn to live with but hopefully improve the situation. If we wipe out the "Bad Bees" we will also wipe out the Avocado, mango, lychee, and citrus groves. The backyard farmer needs these pollinator. Like the iguana and python invasion, we need to put our best minds together to put thing back in some form of balance.
Good luck!
Jacquie
They look like rogue honey bees. I have never heard of them taking over a birdhouse. Amazing! Love your blog.
Wow, if I lived in Miami, I'd be over in a heartbeat.
If you haven't had luck with local beekeepers' clubs, why not try the garden section of craigslist? There are lots of people who would want these valuable creatures.
http://www.beesource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=208206
try this
Hi Rusty....here I go again, the odd one out. I have always managed to live alongside bees. I also had a wasp nest in one of the borders last year, it was fine.
Sad you have no takers....bee keepers here would jump at the chance. In fact bees are in serious decline worldwide.
Have you been offered any advice from the beekeepers??
European bees are usually non aggressive.....do you know which you have??
I am sure you will make the right decision for you....and that is what is important.
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