Ugh. Terrible cut-out

[Bill W.]

I went and did a cut out this afternoon.  The bees were gaining access to the roof space through the soffit on a mobile home.  Unfortunately, they put the nest inside about two feet and behind the nexus of metal rafters where an aftermarket roof was attached to the top plate.  There was no way to get direct access and I ended up having to pull the comb out in small pieces.  Very frustrating and disappointing.  They were very calm bees and I felt bad about killing so many and mangling the comb.  The worst moment came when I spotted the queen crushed into some comb.

I got most of the bees (that were still alive) - probably about two pounds.  I went ahead and framed the crushed pieces of comb.  Some brood appeared undamaged, but a lot was smashed or ripped open.

Does anyone have any experience like this?  Any idea if there is any hope for a hive this damaged?  I have them screened in so they can't leave for now.  My hope is they can raise a new queen, but that might be unrealistic for a hive that has gone through such trauma.

[Moonshae]

I did a removal where I couldn't get both hands into the cavity, so I was ripping out comb. It's sad, but if you're at least getting paid for the job, it's not a total loss.

At this point, any additional removals I do will probably be combined with other hives; I don't know that they'll have time to recover and still build up for winter. Adding to current hives will at least boost that population to give them a hand in preparing for winter.

[JP]

I've done many like this, you want to keep the new environment as clean as possible on any removal, especially when the temps are up, nothing worse than stressed bees in a messy hive in the heat.

Some will surprise you with their survival tendancies some you will have to combine with another hive.

I would do a thorough check and clean things as best you can and give them some brood with fresh eggs from another colony to bolster them and give them a chance to requeen.

Keep a close eye on them if they seem weak watch out for waxmoth and shb.

I did one once where within just a few minutes I accidentally sqooshed the queen, I pinched her behind the first piece of sheetrock I removed, it was a real bummer, it was just bum luck.

Good luck with the hive.


...JP

[Bill W.]

Well, a couple days later, they seem to be doing OK.  I put the best pieces of brood comb in the center and they have clustered on them and started attaching them at the top.  Brood is still alive, so hopefully they will make a queen.  I'll give them about a week to make something happen and, if I don't see any signs of a queen cell, give them some frames from my other hives.  I just hate to lose new feral genes.

[KONASDAD]

If you have another feral hive, give them some of her eggs. I too hate to lose feral genes.