[Donald Strauss]

Susan,

Thanks for the generous offer. On further reflection, I have decided that the responsible thing to do would be to arrange for the bees to be moved off of my property. This episode has taught me that I simply do not have the time to tend to the bees in the way they deserve. Perhaps in a few years, when I have retired, I will take a third run at keeping bees (I kept bees with a small cooperative group up in Beverly Glen Canyon back in the 1970s).

Thanks again for shining a bright light on the problem. I am confident that it has led me in the direction of the right decision.

Best,
ds

[Donald Strauss]

Susan,
Thank you for your comprehensive and detailed response to my query. This gives me an entirely different perspective. The first two colonies I had were feral. One was from a swarm that Rob McFarland collected a few years ago, and the second one was one that I collected from a huge avocado tree in my back yard. It is possible that the second came from the first.

When I had my encounter with the bees this afternoon, I was actually about to add a deep to the existing deep and two mediums. I did smoke the bees, but I did not use the procedure you recommend. It was, no doubt, more haphazard than that. I am inclined to give it another try using your recommended smoking technique.

I realized today that I could probably use another set of hands. I would be perfectly happy to pay someone to straighten out the situation. If you have any recommendations, I would appreciate it a great deal. If having a more appropriate amount of living space would put the bees into a better mood and make them less inclined to sting those who are working in the garden at a distance, I would just as soon keep them on the property.

Thanks again,
ds

[Donald Strauss]

Thanks for the responses. The bees have found a new home (or will have after sundown.

[Donald Strauss]

Hi Jay,

I just tried your email, and it bounced back. I am waiting to hear back from the first person who responded. I’ll get back to you one way or another after 4pm.

ds

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