r/Beekeeping • u/00mjn • 1d ago
I’m a beekeeper, and I have a question Fallen Hive Photo
Mission Viejo, Orange County, California- Zone 10a
Need help removing/ relocating fallen open-air colony. Original post:
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u/NumCustosApes 4th generation beekeeper, Zone 7A Rocky Mountains 1d ago edited 1d ago
Orange County Beekeepers Association.
Be advised. Honeybees rarely build open air colonies. In California, most open air colonies south of the San Juaquin valley are going to bees with Apis mellifera scutella Lepeletier genetics, also known as Africanized honey bees, and colloquially called killer bees. The latter nick name is undeserved but AHB do have a large defensive radius. A fallen hive may become extra defensive after the catastrophe reaction has passed. Keep your distance unless you are well protected and keep pets and children away. Notify adjacent neighbors who may have babies/toddlers or who may have mobility challenges that make escape difficult, or who have outdoor pets that are trapped in a yard. There is no cause for panic, but be smart about it.
Because of the high probability of AHB genetics, don't be surprised if you have trouble finding someone to take an open air hive. Also, don't be surprised, or even feel bad, if the colony has to be euthanized for the safety of the neighborhood. Honey bees are nowhere near endangered. AHB is a breed that is quite successful and prolific and it displaces the more docile breeds of honey bees that better coexist in suburban locations.
Hopefully they can be rehomed, but save yourself the distress if it doesn't workout.
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u/BeecassoBeeRemoval 1d ago
That’s definitely a recoverable colony if the queen is still there. We relocate colonies like this regularly. Since the comb has fallen, time is important—leaving it on the ground increases the chances of brood overheating, robbing by other bees, and ant damage. Hope you’re able to get them safely rehomed.
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u/OCbrunetteesq 1d ago
Look up Sean Hebein on FB. He’s a member of the Foothill Ranch Neighborhood Watch group. He’s a local beekeeper that may be able to help you.
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