24/05/2026
We took a massive punt on this...bees in the fabric of the building and getting them out is a challenge. The last thing we want to do is kill the colony, but they can't live here either....
So I strapped up a polystyrene nucleus box (half a standard hive) as it is light, right by the entrance to the colony. We then used what is called a porter bees escape, which is a one way door - bees can get out but can't go back in. We lost a few bees last week as it was cold and windy, but I put some bee lure in the nuc box and now it's become so warm, the bees are all coming out...and finding the new home!
We shall be introducing a new queen on Thursday, and by the time she emerges from her cage ( she'll eat her way out through fondant) the rest of the colony should be used to her pheromones and accept her.
Bees are rescued, house is safe and we have another colony to care for. Everyone is happy!
