[crashdive123]

As some of you know, I work in the pest control industry. I do some bee work (maybe a dozen jobs this year). Due to the threat and presence of Africanized Honey Bees, I am required to destroy any feral colonies that I am hired to remove. Sometimes, if I can access the hive relatively easily, I can harvest some of the comb and honey. Nothing better than fresh honey, and the wax is great for sealing leather projects. I had a job last week that sadly did not allow me to harvest any prior to treating so the honey is no good, and I end up with a lot of dead bees in the comb – making it more difficult to harvest useable wax. I thought that the process might be helpful to some, so here is one method of honey collection. While this honey is not useable, the process is no different when it is. I found that there is still a fair amount of honey on the wax (maybe I didn't let it sit long enough – 2 days). Another method would be to build a press to squeeze out the honey. The next time I harvest some I'm going to try that method.

[Cajunlady]

Awesome pics Crash, shame you had to destroy the hive though. And look at the amount of honey that got wasted too. What special gear do you use for protection when performing this task? Reason I'm asking is I'd like to raid a beehive but I'm not sure how to go about it. It's located in the trunk of a tree and has been there for quite a few years. Any suggestions.

[crashdive123]

I wear a full bee suit when I'm working. How big is the opening in the tree? How much of the comb can you see? How big do you estimate the cavity to be?

On this particular job I pulled out about 75 to 100 pounds of comb and honey. I only grabbed a little comb from this job to harvest the wax. Just enough to fill about 1 1/2 one gallon zip locks.

[Cajunlady]

The opening in the tree is about eight inches wide by 12 inches high. This hive has been in this same spot for at least twenty years that I know of. I imagine the comb must be massive. Don't have any special equipment but I keep thinking about how to raid it. It's located in the woods and doubt if anyone else knows of it. Wouldn't want to destroy it, just get some of the comb and honey.Would smoke help to calm them down?

[crashdive123]

You really don't need special equipment (but it is helpful). Your biggest concern should be protecting yourself. I have been stung through a bee suit (six times on the last job). It was really warm and I had sweated through the suit. The wet material was laying on me rather than having any airspace between me and the suit. I also did not have a smoker to calm them down (have since ordered one). Wearing heavy coveralls (bee suits are white for a reason) is a must IMO. Leather gloves and face protection. Make sure you are sealed up. My suit and gloves have elastic closures (the gloves come up past my elbows, giveing additional protection to my arms. The veil zips to the suit. If you can seal yourself up, I would make a small smoker. They aren't too expensive but you should be able to make one easy enough. After smoking them to calm them down reach in and gently grab a single piece of come. Use something like platex dish gloves or rubber gloves over your leater ones. Sounds easy right? A couple of words of caution though - hundreds to tousands of bees buzzing around your head can be a little unerving at first - kind of sounds like a jet plane on take off. Secondly, if the hive is Africanized they will be extremely aggressive.

[Cajunlady]

Crash, many thanks for the info. I know I can rig myself up now. One more question if you don't mind. Have you noticed a difference in the aggressiveness of the bees in different seasons of the year? Thankyou so much for your patience answering my queries.

[crashdive123]

Somewhat. If the colony is tending to their brood and protecting the queen they can become very agressive. In a hive that has been there for several years, they will defend it. The smoke helps. If you only take a little at a time, they will rebuild and you will have a continual source of honey. That 2 litre bottle that is almost 3/4 full came from two good sized pieces of comb. If you can suit yourself up to prevent stinging - stand near the hive for a while to get used to them buzzing around you and landing on you and your face mask. Don't move quickly. Resist the urge to "shoo" them away. If you can put your hand on one piece of comb, gently break it away from its anchor point (at top, and possibly the sides). Use something like a soft bristle 4" paint brush to gently brush the bees off the comb. Place it in a tupperware container, seal it, go enjoy your harvest.

Another thing about aggressiveness. If they are Africanized, they will swarm you. If you are suited up properly you should be OK. If not, start running. You will need to run at least 1/4 mile unless you have something to take shelter in (building, vehicle, etc.). Don't ever jump in the water - they will hover and wait. They will wait longer than you can hold your breath.

[Cajunlady]

Sorry for all the questions, seems I'm the only bee dummy on here. Anyhow, I really will try to pull this off. Just waiting for cooler weather so some of the foliage will thin out. Have at least a quarter of mile to walk to get there. I am not one who has allergic reactions of bee stings but do realize a swarm attacking me could possibly cause major problems. Believe me, I will be suited to the gills and try not to panic. Will let you know when it happens. Thanks you've been very helpful.

[crazydave]

beekeepers use a centrifuge to extract honey from the comb. a bain marie can be used to melt the comb to allow the bees to float up and be skimmed off.

[George]

It pays to have dry run in your suit, somewhere else without bees and see how hot you get inside your sealed concoction.

Try to walk briskly even run, if very uncomfortable, you might consider to incorporate icepacks inside your suit to take away some of the heat produced by your body.