Honey Bee Rescue: Bee Hive Left Alone for 20 Years | The Bush Bee Man

In this episode of The Bush Bee Man, Mark accomplished a honey bee rescue and relocated bees. This humane bee hive removal left the girls safe in a new tidy home after bee-ing left alone for 20 years. Watch more removal and relocation videos: • Bee Hive Removal from ...
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This video shows a humane bee hive removal. This honey bee rescue leaves the bees in a nice clean home. #SaveTheBees
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Please watch: "Varroa Mites are Here to Stay - NSW is moving to Management"
• Varroa Mite is Here To...
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[@philphillip7343]

I love how animated you are, sir. I had the realization of how sour I’ve been recently after watching this and I thank you.

[@IsmaelNxala]

Just realized the same ting my guy, this guy teaches perspective!

[@joesinakandid528]

And me, as well.

[@timan2039]

The Bees looking up in the sudden flood of light, "the stories are true...."

[@quietpianist]

Your voice reminds me of what an Australian Winnie The Pooh would sound like.

[@jupupable4101]

His accent sounds like Australian mixed with UK with some Kiwi thrown in.

[@Nevir202]

Reminds me of Mr Bean.

[@ezradaiquiri11311]

@quietpianist, that's awesome lol 😂

[@chasingthefish9042]

Hes a polar bear!

[@0hMyLife]

Omg! I was thinking the same thing when he was kinda humming/singing to himself!!! LOL

[@iowasenator]

Due to the horrendous shape of this poor old neglected hive, I would have just vacuumed these girls. Then, I would have pulled the hive apart and salvaged as much as possible. It will be a miracle if the Queen wasn't killed or damaged in some way. It would be such a shame if this particular Queen is lost, as these genetics are really really good. For the sake of these poor bees (and you), I hope they survive. The best of luck, my friend!! Please update us on your babies when you're able.

[@marcowinkler8225]

Can you please explain why the genetics are very good in this hive?

[@iowasenator]

@@marcowinkler8225 That's an excellent question. If these bees have been "left alone for 20 years", it means that the bees have survived entirely on their own without any treatments or human intervention. In other words, these girls have perfectly adapted themselves and are survivors. Even the best of bees may fail during an extended drought unless the beekeeper provides supplemental feeding. Disease and other pests can cause a colony to fail too. Yet, these bees needed nothing from a beekeeper. Personally, I would love to incorporate the genetics of these bees into my apiary! Are you interested in bees or are you a new beekeeper, Marco?

[@iowasenator]

@@marcowinkler8225 Does my reply answer your question adequately? I really enjoy assisting others.

[@marcowinkler8225]

@@iowasenator thank you for the fast response. I'm young keen German beekeeper. And I was curious if you considered that this bees could be died every two years or so and a new swarm could be moved in. (it's the naturel way how bees live, at least here in Europe) So the bees and their genetics could be the same as your bees. So I was a bit skeptical about how good the genetics really are :)

[@iowasenator]

@@marcowinkler8225 Yes, that is very possible. Bees are very attracted to the hives of past colonies. By the way, my mother's family were all Germans. It's been a dream of mine to travel to Germany. My grandfather would speak his language when I was a child and I miss him and his German so much. In which part of Germany do you live?

[@gilong81]

first time watching a video by this guy. was he perfectly (or mostly) normal in the truck, and then turned into Bennie Hill when he started handling the bees?

[@pbondcasa]

gilong81 with a big dose of Yoda.

[@jmartin4550]

Lol, i thought of Benny Hill too.

[@ourfloridagarden4191]

They are so smart. First sign of new digs and they are moving in.

[@IrvingDrommond]

Boyyyy, I always am astonished at how laid back those bees are...... Nice episode!

[@deslynmcintyre3833]

Imagine how many swarms have come from this lovely hive over the past 20 years. They are very calm bees.

[@westcoaster3763]

Can't wait for the update on this hive.

[@1kreature]

Any news on the update?

[@macelius]

Ditto, was disappointed with the lack of conclusion, and with the lack of care to avoid smashing bees when maneuvering equipment, especially when flipping that super on it's side. P.S. Check out JPthebeeman to see how to transfer and capture wild hives with minimal harm, including finding and caging their queens.

[@user-cp2sx8gp2z]

What a mess, bee my luck ida done smashed the queen.

[@tenshichic]

He reminds me of Pooh Bear when he talks and laughs! Makes sense that he would be a beekeeper! 🍯 😊

[@wainemiller7293]

I watch a couple different bee keeper channels and this guy is so indecisive on everything. And crystal about an amazing experience that we all will never experience. 20 yrs old bee hives

[@youandiryan]

I have to say you are excellent on camera. You have such a great personality and openness to you. You were meant for KZbin

[@GalicheGal]

Hopefully they will thrive again in their new home. I really felt your dilemma of how far to renovate. They seemed fairly docile so well worth the effort. I saw a man yesterday on YT euthanasise a very aggressive colony... He was heart broken but they were extremely aggressive. I really enjoyed this video Thank you🐝

[@Burnt_Nipple]

I saw that video too. Weird how the algorithm is sending these videos my way, as I've had no previous interest in the subject.

[@TheCaliforniaBeekeeper]

That's wild! Wonder how many times this colony has swarmed out and requeened. Cool stuff man!

[@MrGigi-dz9cv]

This just proves, humans are în the way of nature.

[@IsmaelNxala]

You Sir radiate positive vibes, I'm am glad to have subscribed and see much more.

[@ShannonD.999]

I wonder how this hive fared. Any chance of an update? It would be greatly appreciated!

[@crowbarstube]

bee keepers are maniacs,never met one that wasn't a lunatic........please continue

[@Jaydaydesign]

I’m of the opinion it’s all the bee stings/venom. They are all a bit eccentric. And they often seem to have big fat fingers too.

[@eddvcr598]

I can listen to you talk about beekeeping forever. I love your great nature and sense of humor!

[@priyacharichakravarti6868]

Just loved the enormous knowledge I gained from this important episode of rejuvenating a very old brood to a new home while simultaneously making holistic considerations on its appropriateness. Presented with all your trademark engaging humour. Really top show! 👏👏👏

[@donaldross8597]

Had my great-great-grandfather nicked a loaf of bread. I would be watching this in Australia.

[@jacquelinebott5318]

These bees have done the very best in the conditions they’ve been stuck in....well done bees,and well done bee bloke

[@jkrudolf15]

Did one like that last year. Rethought, and used my Beevac 9000 first. Helped find the queen. Got her in a cage in a full new set of frames. Then cut and wired the good brood comb, about 1/3 of the saving bits. Dumped the vacuum box in. Then left the old honey out. They cleaned it in a day and promptly drew new comb. They too were a tad angry until they moment they were in the new dry box. Like night and day. Stopped roaring and got down to business in minutes. Fun experience. Don't forget to get a taste of the old honey! Always interesting. Bit out of this hive was solid. Tasted like caramel.

[@jasonjacobi6674]

out of all the bee related videos that i end up getting sucked into watching, this was the most fun to watch!

[@andysmith6014]

I've watched a few videos where bee keepers have looked into abandoned hives but I don't think any have been as entertaining as this one!

[@Max-po5sx]

How are you always so happy? I want that for my self. 😊

[@michealdraconis6179]

Thank you for inviting me to come along with you

[@shawnburton385]

This guy is such a dork :p I'm so happy I found him!

[@RowdyLowdy]

Monty Python: The Meaning of Bee Keeping.

[@HamTransitHistory]

Exactly.

[@Makermook]

If those bees have been thriving unattended for 20 years, is it safe to assume they probably don't have a lot of disease burden?

[@SDKsa1]

This guuy cracks me up! His analogies are perfect lol!

[@torga74]

it shows that you love the little girls

[@showtime0561]

This guys giggles are hilarious. I’ve never seen anybody giggle so much and not be high unless he is high as hell

[@charlesdebarber2997]

I would have taken a different approach. 1. I would have put the top box of the original hive on the bottom and put the new box on top of it with some honey frames from the bottom original box. 2. By next season, the queen would have moved upward. You find her and then take the bottom box and phase it out. You can put a queen excluder on it when you are sure queen is in top box that way in 21 days all brood is emerged and out before you discard that box. I'd also advise laying out what you're doing before you do it and making a plan based on your situation. Prying at those rotten frames and flipping around the box was asking to accidentally pinch a queen. The least invasive you can be and get it done is the best road. I am a practitioner of the philosophy of least interruption. For example - I'll put in 5 new frames in a 10 frame box instead of removing all frames and replacing them. Gradual upgrades to their home are better than a very rough and harsh transition.

[@Rustie_za]

maybe he didnt have the luxury of time, it was clearly some callout

[@johnvanderslice7966]

I'm pretty sure he did just fine for what he had to work with.

[@snarky_user]

I like what you say here. This hive was the product of the "least invasive" methods possible. From the bees' perspective, everything was just as it should be. Everything done to that have was to bring it into a beekeeper's idea of how it should be. I have little confidence that the hive will be actively managed or harvested in the future, so why bother with it? Leave it alone. Maybe set out some other, empty boxes and frames for the inevitable swarms that will be available. Eventually mother nature will kill off that hive, somehow, but the obviously very hardy and maintenance-free successors will have a home available.

[@jameswoenker2659]

Pretty much what I was thinking. Remove excluder. Brood on bottom , new box , food stores on top. Spring comes, replace both old boxes and frames.

[@LaughingInTiny]

That's what I thought as well. If that hive has done well for 20 years it's got some good DNA. Especially with that temperament. When he laid the box down and all the excessive handling I really hope he didn't squish her! Definitely would have put a new box on top and just let them phase out of the old box. 😢

[@darwinb718]

Liking the Mr Bean voice :))

[@deslynmcintyre3833]

I find it fascinating how the bees have closed up a high percentage of the entrance, maybe they are fending off predators and maybe we are making the entrances too big, inviting pest invasion, a nest this old may have some great learning elements to it. What types of insects did you find invading the hive, was there any hive beetle or just wax moth.

[@laminiticreaction8824]

Well done good Sir! You’re so funny and cheerful. I’m not even interested in raising bees, but I love watching. 😊

[@neuralwarp]

You're never prepared with the equipment you need. Wire cutters, queen catcher & excluder, wood saw, rubber bands, bee attractant & repellent, etc

[@davidhefner5668]

Don't lift the box of this age. It will fall apart......been there, done that. An experience that will not be forgotten.

[@jonataseuuk]

I am just like you inside my brain lolol is like listening to my self . Comments straight from London UK

[@Demy26]

You are hilarious. Enjoying the content

[@SuperDagod1]

You are a happy crazy person, great video

[@gregmodelle7343]

Terrific video. Really enjoyed the whole messy process.

[@justwinks1553]

I needed these giggles. And to see a bit of recycling

[@edgreywolf]

Did you leave a box of the original position for all the foragers coming back that were gone?

[@NolaSpiersMitchell-gu5iu]

Can you let me please what size rubber bands do I have to get I didn’t order yet

[@davidhefner5668]

I'm wondering how many generations and the number of queens in all those years.

[@trevor311264]

"Looks a bit like a cut-out in a bee box!" - That is how I would have dealt with it.

[@mysticalmaid]

Enjoyed, thanks for sharing, loved the commentary.

[@darkangelsoaps8258]

Is there another word for a sweat box? I'm in America and the only sweat box I've ever heard of is the place prisoners were kept out in the sun for punishment in the old prison systems in the 1930s or so. Can you advise what a sweat box is there? I've heard you mention them before. Thank you.

[@Makermook]

I'm brand new to beekeeping and just today I was wondering what would happen if you left a hive alone for years.

[@George-nx5lo]

@mark Lowry it would die really fast

[@globalelites3255]

@keeper01 not if it's a strong and healthy hive, this hive has survived a ton of years and defo swarmed multiple times, doesn't look like it's struggling at all.

[@George-nx5lo]

GlobalElites you have no way of proving it, it could die every year and you would never know

[@johnchafin3817]

Why not use a little dust brush with long bristles to brush them into the new hive?

[@xSoupdumplingx]

This was so cool to see what happens to a unattended beehive. When nature is left alone.

[@michaelbeary]

That was quite the cluster F. What happened to your bee vacuum?

[@petenyc3]

That was a real nice video. You’re so cheerful and happy. Funny stuff. Doing your very best considering the situation. Hoping all turned out well. Best wishes! (Pete, New York City)

[@Wensday-Adams]

Great video. Looking forward to the update.

[@Manyangejames]

Please you could have Turned the Box upside down then Remove the Box, leave frames open to work peacefully

[@MstresVampy]

I found you randomly. thanks to KZbin algorithms I suppose . I can't wait for round two.😷🐝🐝

[@NorokVokun]

Yeah sometimes the algorithm does its job propperly.

[@BarracudaBoy]

Should have just stacked the old hive on top of the new and used a "bee escape" to get them down in the new supers. Of course you would have had to plug all the holes 1st. 😂🤣

[@weswalker]

"A day without a friend is like a pot without a single drop of honey left inside." - Pooh I want to hear this man talk like Winnie-the-Pooh... it comes natural to him

[@jamesford8315]

He already sounds like everyone in "Monty Python and The Holy Grail." Winnie the Pooh will never happen.

[@weswalker]

@@jamesford8315 "Alright, we'll call it a draw. Come on Patsy" - Author King of the Briton's

[@kerryh8er04]

If Yoda was a bee keeper

[@johnr1350]

The Ausi “Mr Bean” bee man

[@MsAllthenamesaretake]

Love the attitude! You don't have to know exactly what to do, you just gotta give it a go!

[@kathleenmcquade31]

This is hilarious! Does this gentleman have a split personality? This is going to be very entertaining!

[@w13rdguy]

He's not crazy. He's tuned in to what the bees are saying.

[@TicTocRobotSnot]

How are these ladies doing? Have they settled down in their new digs?

[@samb1123]

He more sounds like an Australian Yoda might sound like to me.

[@hannakinn]

Hoping there will be an update, even if just on the community tab or a pinned comment here.

[@jasonjohnson1984]

Hey Mr.bushbee man I was thinking would a fume board work to push the bees down unless you have a bottom board that is combined to the box

[@cashenjoe1]

Such a fun video! You are wonderful sir!

[@lenturtle7954]

Why in a cage ???? That was an adventure .!

[@CrazyIvan865]

I love this video. Especially the Madd hatter quirky banter. I don't think one woukd have to worry too much about disease. Or the queen excluder. Man what I wouldn't give for those bees. WWIII coukd break out, everything gets nuked, that colony woukd still be here in the future.lol

[@stueydoubleyou]

Bees don't need rescuing. They do just fine without us. Great video

[@TheBushBeeMan]

I totally agree! but the local government need them to be rehome, otherwise they were just kill them 🙁

[@chevyman1722]

I’m allergic to bee stings as well with wasps and the others so I wouldn’t be able to mess with them even with a bee suit on…and my symptoms to the man who lost his mother…it’s so sad…I lost my mother in 1981 she was only 38 and I C was 16 but doesn’t matter the age it’s sad…🐝👍 glad I found another bee channel to start watching and sub to.,

[@harveygussow7913]

When ever you go to see a hive you have not worked yourself expect the worst , hope for the best. They will tell you just what kind of hive they really are. You caught some bees that have manners so keep it up and they will work things out for themselves.

[@matthewmccormick2417]

should have dismantled the box itself to get to the frames and check them better for the Queen

[@lourensklopper4217]

Not bad.....I would have do it differently. Take the hive outside the cage. Put a blanket underneath the new box on the ground and shake all the bees on the blanket. No dirty stuff in new box and that way you could look for the boss lady!! If you find her cage her onto new frame and you would have a bee march.!!You also should have cut the wires and then put old comb into new frame!!

[@Dstick1Spearfishing]

Might have been an idea to bring a couple of extra things with you next time - Some drawn out frames so her majesty has somewhere to lay, as I am not sure how much wax they can draw out in a short period of time without over stressing the girls given a lot of the honey was left out side of the box. Two - some pliers with side cutters. Actually, You need a bush beeman leatherman with a satellite tracker on it so you can find it. Thanks for the laugh, and they were seriously chilled out given the mess. Cheers for sharing

[@debbieb.8708]

WOW! You are a strange beekeeper.

[@justinmills8084]

I hope your queen excluder is in working order, are your queen will move in n the top box. But you know that.

[@Nevir202]

Anyone else reminded of Rowan Atkinson, Mr Bean, when he does those weird voices?

[@KrepCake]

Like a huggable Python-esque drunk Yoda

[@menglor]

Wow thats a rough box!!

[@tomelistino7853]

Hello from To Melistino Greek beekeeping. Keep up the good job!

[@captainopvious7498]

Γεια σου Ελλαδα

[@vickykirkland6629]

Oh my gosh. Too funny . Poor girls . Lol

[@SewFrancine6120]

Wow. I'd love a follow up on this give disaster Be Safe

[@vwbusguy]

What about just taking off a side of the box and it will all come apart easily

[@TheBushBeeMan]

Our luck it would’ve gone everywhere haha

[@vwbusguy]

Do you have stingless native bees?

[@Lkonae]

@@vwbusguy They are European honey bees.

[@vwbusguy]

@@Lkonae i know what these particular ones are. I wanted to know if he also keeps native stingless bees

[@tartredarrow]

Why is he talking like that?

[@scareyaf]

'Cause it's Australia. Have a laugh or you can fuck off.

[@NorokVokun]

Because he does... That's all the reason needed.

[@KieranMullen]

A bit obnoxious if done with all videos

[@THEGIPPER34]

That's just the queen's English! :p

[@bertvereenooghe8091]

I DONT KNOOW

[@MrNungaroo]

Put a box of top of stickies, when she starts to laying after cleaning it up put excluder in when the brood comes out in the bottom you can then shack the bees out and just burn it save a lot of trouble and mucking around or sit it away from the hive and let them rob it out. Will need feeding.

[@ricklev662]

i think he got stong too many times lol

[@kathyhathaway8823]

Looks like it would been better to set the old box on top of the new box an run them down an then take away the junk box

[@OFR]

It's like David Brent in a white spacesuit.

[@swampcrawlerls1267]

Soooo, varoa mites are not a thing there?

[@bibbabibba1975]

Australia is an american beekeeper's wet dream

[@mckimmym]

What's the song at the end of the video?

[@Kryptox69]

Did they Survive!? Update usssss.

[@ricklev662]

why dont you give them a place to go BEFORE doing anything ???

[@mikefournier5416]

This is like watching a Monty Python sketch

[@kathybradbury]

Sooo...what happened?

[@PhoenixXFeatherz]

I wanna know this guy's drug combo 🤣

[@robotron7]

This is a potential genetic treasure, unless all it is last year swarm in an old abandoned hive.

[@MrGigi-dz9cv]

The new queens have mated with other drones, so ...

[@leandabee]

Any update vids?