In 2020, I received a call from a local pest control professional who was seeking my expertise and assistance in a rather delicate situation involving a colony of honey bees..

In 2020, I received a call from a local pest control professional who was seeking my expertise and assistance in a rather delicate situation involving a colony of honey bees. The request was to help dismantle a section of the roof in order to safely remove the honeycomb and relocate the entire colony of bees. These industrious insects had made their home within the roof of an elderly couple's residence, where they had peacefully coexisted for at least five years. During this time, the bees had not caused any problems or disturbances, allowing the couple to enjoy their home without any undue stress or fear of the bees' presence.

However, the tranquillity of this arrangement was soon to be disrupted. The elderly couple had decided to embark on extensive renovations to their home, which would inevitably involve significant structural changes. As the builders arrived to begin their work, they encountered the honey bee colony and, understandably concerned about the potential hazards associated with the bees, refused to proceed with the renovations. They classified the bees as pests, citing safety concerns and the risks of being stung, which ultimately put the renovation project on hold.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the pest control professional reached out to me, knowing that I had experience in humane bee relocation and an understanding of the ecological importance of honey bees. Together, we devised a plan to safely dismantle the affected section of the roof while ensuring that the bees would be preserved and relocated to a more suitable environment where they could thrive without posing any threat to the homeowners or the construction crew.

The process would require careful planning and execution, as we needed to ensure minimal disruption to the bees and to avoid harming them during the removal. We prepared by gathering the necessary tools and equipment, including protective gear, a bee vacuum, and containers for transporting the honeycomb and the bees. Our goal was not only to remove the bees but also to relocate them to a location where they could continue their vital role in pollination and maintaining the local ecosystem.

As we approached the house, we were acutely aware of the delicate balance we needed to maintain. The elderly couple, while understandably concerned about the bees and the delay in their renovations, were also appreciative of the bees' role in nature. They had grown accustomed to their buzzing neighbour's and were hopeful for a resolution that would allow them to continue living in harmony with the environment around them. Thus, our mission was not just about removing a pest but about preserving a vital component of the natural world while ensuring the couple could proceed with their home improvements safely and effectively.

So armed with very little knowledge, a nuc, my bee suit, plenty of gloves, and a bee vac along with various essential tools, we set out on this exciting yet daunting task. Our mission was to locate the bees that had made their home in an unexpected place. To aid us in this endeavor, we utilized a thermal imaging device, which allowed us to detect the heat signatures of the bees hidden within the structure. With careful precision, we began to pull the roof apart to gain access to the colony and the honeycomb that lay beneath. Fortunately, there was scaffolding already in place, which provided a safe and stable platform for us to conduct this type of work without the risk of injury. As we worked, we approached the colony with a sense of respect and caution, understanding the importance of preserving the bees while also attempting to relocate them. We gently maneuverer the bee vac, which is designed specifically for this purpose, to hoover up as many bees as we could without harming them. This process required a delicate touch, as we wanted to ensure the bees were safely collected and could be transported to their new home in the nuc. Simultaneously, we began the meticulous task of cutting out the honeycomb, which was brimming with life. Each piece we extracted was not just a structure of wax; it was a bustling ecosystem filled with brood, eggs, larvae in various stages of development, and, of course, an astonishing amount of honey. The sight was nothing short of mesmerizing, as we observed the intricate patterns of the comb and the diligent work of the bees that had built it. The sweet aroma of honey filled the air, a testament to the hard work and dedication of these remarkable creatures. As we continued our work, we took care to minimize disruption to the colony, recognizing the vital role bees play in our ecosystem and the importance of their survival. The entire process was an enlightening experience, deepening our appreciation for these industrious insects and the complex social structures they maintain within their hives. Each moment spent carefully extracting the comb and relocating the bees was a reminder of the delicate balance we must maintain with nature.

After meticulously removing every last bit of comb and carefully hoovering up the bees into a nuc box—a specialized container designed for the safe transport of bees—I embarked on a journey across the picturesque countryside of Gloucestershire. My destination was an apiary located in Bentham, which I utilize as a quarantine location. This site serves a crucial purpose, allowing me to monitor the health of newly acquired colonies until I can ascertain that they are free from any diseases that could potentially spread to my other colonies situated at my allotment. The journey to the farm was filled with a sense of anticipation, but unfortunately, by the time I arrived and attempted to rehome the bees into a proper hive, I discovered that the bees had become exceedingly sticky. This condition was a result of the stress and the environmental factors they had endured during the transport. As a result, they faced little to no chance of survival in their current state. However, amidst this unfortunate situation, there was a glimmer of hope. A few of the bees managed to survive the ordeal, and crucially, the queen's eggs remained intact within the brood. This was a significant development because the worker bees, in their instinct to ensure the survival of their colony, could take action. They would feed the larva with royal jelly, a substance that is rich in nutrients and essential for the development of a queen bee. This process would enable the emergence of a new queen, who would assume her role as the leader of the colony. With her presence, the colony would have the potential to thrive and sustain itself for many years to come, continuing the cycle of life within the apiary. Thus, despite the challenges faced during the transport and the initial setbacks, the resilience of nature shone through, offering a chance for regeneration and continuity in my beekeeping endeavors.