It's getting hot in Arizona

I just had a swarm call in Cave Creek. It was very straightforward. The bees were swarmed underneath an old birds nest in a carob tree.  I cut the limb off and lowered them into a box for transport. They all settled in for the night, and have been successfully relocated! They are enjoing their new top bar hive far away from GMO, pesticides, herbicides and other poisons. By the way my son got in on the action, he was walking around like an old pro in his bee suit.  I got a good chuckle out of the homeowner when it came time to pay (he offered to pay more for the service because of him), I let him know my son was Union!

Spring time 2012

This is my second year as a beekeeper, and it sure is satisfying.  There is something about having these wonderful little creatures in your hands with the sweet and healthy honey dripping through the fingers that simply has to be experienced. I have been quite impressed with how well educated the most of my clients have been this year.  Most are more than willing to wait for the proper beekeeper to take care of their bees than to have them exterminated.  Yet there is still the idea most have that simply taking the bees from them is all the work that is involved.  Actually it is just the beginning of the work.  After the initial capture, the bees are then transferred to a hive, which for a swarm is quick work, but in my experience has been disappointing, since most bees will leave the new hive if they don't have it just the way they want it. The cut out is even more involved. The comb has to be transfered to the new hive which involves cutting and stapling the honey dripping and bees going crazy.  Don't get me wrong this is enjoyable but time consuming work to be done just right.  Once they are moved in it is off to the garden where watching them enjoy their harvest is relaxing and fun.  I hope the next time you stop to smell the roses, you enjoy the little bee inside too!

At sunset Point today

Today was a wonderful snow day in beautiful Flagstaff Arizona. While at Sunset point eating lunch outside, I noticed a couple of bees buzzing around looking for food. I remembered it is cold out, and with the lack of flowers during this time of year, they are looking for food and water. So be sure to share some if you get the chance.

Bees are Swarming

With the quick dip in weather there are still some swarms (usually small) happening. If this is seen in your area, watch out, they will most likely move in to a warm place. Get the swarm taken care of while it is only a swam. I travel all over the valley.

Boat cutout

Yesterday I cut out a hive from the front of a boat. This was a new experience. The hive was difficult to cut into because of the design of the boat. The only issue I ran into was there was a hose, and electrical wires going into the sidewall of the boat. This would not be an issue, but the bees decided to build into that cavity as well! I still took about 99% of the bees and comb. Thanks Vince!

Bees and Ground Squirrels

This is a swarm in my own backyard, from one of the hives that a ground squirrel attacked! Needless to say the ground squirrel is now in the ground, premanently, and this swarm is in the process of being placed back into its lovely hive.

These are pictures of the swarm close up. They were quite big and impressive on this mesquite tree.

Another close up of the swarm. You can see the bees occupied multiple branches.

Looks like something off of a nature T.V. program

Bee In the Garden

Today, checking out the devil's claw in our garden as it is growing flowers. My wife got startled by one of our bees popping out! She said I don't know who was more scared me or the bee!