A very Late (seasonally at least) Hive removal was requested by The South African Police Services in the southern suburbs of Johannesburg. On first inspection not one, but seven separate hives where identified - which would explain why they had suddenly become a nuisance. They where located under three shipping containers on the grounds of the Police station, and where now posing a threat to both the public as well as the officers. Whilst they had been noticed a good while ago only now had people begun to be stung due to their adjacent close proximity and recent clearing of the adjacent area for more parking.

The last of my catch box's and an additional 6 where purchased (at a cost of R2100) and assigned to the task. I requested a payment of just R750 for the entire job to at least cover part of my fuel costs, as it was obvious the trap-out process would take a quite a few visits. Also due to the lateness in the season feeding would be required on a regular basis once the bees had been coaxed into there new homes without their winter stores. This was eventually forthcoming, but from the officers own canteen fund not station or government coffers.

It took 3 visits alone to successfully seal the many hive entrances with the trap-out cones, due to repeated interference by the resident rat population. Then the long wait began with food being provided inside the boxes and waterpoints setup to assist the ladies in the preparation of their new home. There was still some pollen flow of a clean white Pollen, and the bees where marching into their new residence in 4 of the 7 instances. So the chances where good for a reasonably successful transition to a catch box for some of the hives. This at least would minimise the volume of bees once removed from site. Add to this, the normal seasonal decline in numbers, this would resolve the immediate problem with the bee numbers causing an issue in the SAPS yard.

Once settled in the catch boxes, the bees will be finally removed to another area and fed for the winter to ensure their survival. I fear one or more of the hives may not move across and if they swarm off without the promise of winter food may well not survive the winter months.

It is hoped and indeed looks likely that 4 maybe 5 of the 7 are happy with the new facilities (for now) and will also need re homing again into a full sized hive in the late spring months. However bees are quite fickle little ladies and may still decide to take their chances alone. (see updates in comments below)

Due to the close proximity of public areas on a public building these could have faced the very real possibility of extermination. Hence my appeal for assistance with providing hives for the long term survival of hive removals carried out.

Oom Pete