Wild Mountain Apiaries & Beekeeping Supply
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PLEASE DON'T SPRAY THE BEES! WE OFFER LIVE BEE REMOVALS!!!
Most folks have heard at least a little about the major worldwide honeybee crisis. Pesticides, exotic pests, diseases, viruses, CCD, and the list goes on. The pollination benefits of managed honeybee colonies is responsible for every third bite of food we eat! Think about that. That alone is a major reason not to spray bees, not to mention the honey and other wonderful products from the hive.
Consider this... when a colony is sprayed it is often not successfully killed. Combs may extend for several feet in a wall or ceiling cavity. Drones (male bees) from this colony may enter other hives spreading the pesticide to other bee colonies managed or otherwise. If the colony is killed, or weakend substantially, pests soon move in. Hive beetle and wax moth larvae will tunnel through honey combs causing honey to run. I have seen a large puddle of honey on the living room floor 2 1/2 stories below the location of a colony that was sprayed and killed. A new swarm, likely attracted by the scent of honey, had taken up residence. These bees fortunately were removed and are still alive today in a managed beehive. A contractor made necessary repairs eliminating the entrance location for the bees. The owner no longer has a bee problem and the bees are still alive as well.
We offer professional honeybee removal services. Established honeybee colonies can usually be removed from wall cavities, soffits, hot tubs, barns, attics, cars, trees, and many other possible locations in which they may choose to establish a home. We can also retreive hanging swarms depending on their height and location.
All removals will be performed with a conscientious respect for your property. I have 20 years of construction experience and will keep damage to a minimum. Most often on structures only interior drywall, or exterior siding will require removal and repair. We DO NOT do repairs, but will be happy to recommend someone or to consult with your preferred contractor or handyperson. (continued page 2)
What should you do?
For hanging swarms: note how high off the ground they are located and how long they have been there. Do not disturb or spray the bees. Swarms are most often very peaceful as they have ventured out to find a new home and have nothing to defend. They are usually engorged with honey for the trip which makes them happy. However, certain bees can be aggressive so leave them alone and call us immediately
For bees in a wall cavity: avoid the area where the bees enter and exit. Note how long the colony has been there. Call us for consultation and an estimate
For bees in a tree cavity: depending on the size and location we can often remove bee trees and sometimes remove bees from trees. If a bee tree presents a hazard or must go due to construction or development we have a working relationship with a professional arborist who is also a beekeeper. However, unless the bees are "too close for comfort" or are aggressive often a bee tree is best left alone.
For honey clean up and repairs:honey can be wiped off of most surfaces with warm soapy water. Soaked drywall may require replacement or repair. We do not do repairs! We can recommend someone or you can make arrangements with a handyperson or contractor of your choice. I have 20 years of construction and remodeling experience and will make all efforts to minimize damages during a removal. Oftentimes only siding or drywall will require removal and repair.
What does it cost? We have a minimum trip charge of $50. Usually bees can be removed the same day. Cost will vary depending on your location, the difficulty of accessing the colony, time involved, and with extremely aggressive bees. A hanging swarm can usually be retreived for $50 and many removals cost under $200. Only in extreme cases will a removal exceed $350.
all rights reserved 2010 Wild Mountain Apiaries and Beekeeping Supply 875 Will Arrington Road, Mars Hill, NC 28753 828.689.4095 wildmountainbees_yahoo.com
