Page 19 - FWG 9 October 2021

Estate News

when it is possible to do so. These individuals
do not take care of the brood (baby bees) and
often throw the comb and bees into plastic
drums which they discard before moving on
to the next bee removal. The brood needs to
be kept at a constant temperature of around
36°C in order to survive. Ideally, the bees
should be re-hived into a catch box or larger
brood box as soon as possible. Failing to do so
will result in the demise of the colony.

Here are some guidelines to follow if honey
bees ‘move in’:
• Always keep a safe distance from a colony or
swarming bees.
• Never attempt to smoke, poison, spray or
remove bees. Honey bees are very defensive
and an attack can be fatal.
• If clusters of swarming bees can be seen
hanging from a branch or tree, it is advisable
to let them be for a day or two as the bees
will often move on. Again, never try to spray,
smoke or ‘catch’ the swarm.
• If bees occupy a space for two or more
weeks, seek the services of a professional
bee removal service.

NOTE: Ideally, in urban locations, bees should
be relocated at night. It can be VERY dangerous
WHEN HONEY BEES MOVE IN… to do bee removals during the day. However,
In Celtic mythology, the honey bee is a sometimes the size of the colony and location Natasha is a SABIO and Southern
messenger between our world and the spirit of a bee removal requires a day time removal. Beekeeping Association Member.
realm. It is often associated with wisdom. In In addition to safety considerations, one third of She served as a steward at the SA
ancient Egypt, it was believed that the sun the colony is out foraging for nectar and pollen Honey Judge Guild and is a registered
god Ra created the honey bee from his tears during the day. Removing the colony during the beekeeper (DALRRD GP738). She is the
and that messages were delivered to earth by day will result in the foraging bees returning, first South African student of Honey
honey bees ‘dripping’ straight from the face of only to find the queen and the rest of the colony Sensory Analysis (Italy, Bologna)
Ra. have disappeared. Without the protection of the and is training to become a Honey
super organism they will die off. Sommelier. Natasha is passionate about
Honey bees will naturally occupy roof bee education and uses the platform
cavities, meter and pool motor boxes, drums, Listed below are some important questions of unique honey tastings to create
waste bins, bird logs, hollow tree trunks and to ask your bee removal service provider: awareness of not just honey bees, but all
any space in which they feel at home and • Are you a registered beekeeper and if so, bees. email natasha@lyonfamilysa.co.za
protected from the elements. Every colony’s please include your DALRRD registration Instagram lyonrawhoney.
choice is unique. Removing an established number
colony of honey bees takes skill and • Are you a member of your local Bee For further information regarding
experience. Association and/or SABIO? honey bee removals, please email
• Is it safe to do the removal during the day? Southern Beekeeping Association
It is important to note that, by law, home • Where will the bees be relocated to? info@southerns.co.za or visit SABIO
owners are entitled to arrange (and should • Will the bees be re-hived on site or after the (www.sabio.org.za).
fund) the removal of a colony which is bee removal?
located within the perimeter of their • Could you please provide an update on You can also visit The Medicine Garden
property. If the bees occupy boxes or man how the bees have settled in at their new website (www.medicinegarden.co.za)
holes outside the boundary walls, it is up location? for companion planting to manage
to the council to organise and fund the bee garden pests and see seasonal lists of
removal. Often the fibre companies, Rand Did you know? It takes 12 honey bees all what to plant for bees by season for
Water, Eskom etc have contracts in place their life’s work to produce ONE teaspoon of every province in SA.
with accredited service providers. honey. Please support your local beekeepers,
know where your honey comes from and be The CANDIDE Garden App is free and a
Unfortunately, some unscrupulous bee prepared to pay fair prices for real, honest wonderful gardening resource.
removal ‘experts’ do NOT re-hive the swarm honey.

Fourways Gardens • 17 • October 2021