Plain Talk: Learning Points (199)

[@rtxhoneybees]

I did this, but in summer. I plugged the entrance with mattress foam thinking my screened bottom board would be enough ventilation. I had a friend helping me the night before the move to load the bees into the truck. After they were strapped with crossing ratchet straps, I realized I had forgotten to take out the slide in tray that blocked the bottom screen. I told my friend (who didn't own a single bee) what I had done, he said "it'll be alright" and we loaded the bees. The next morning, I drove about an hour and a half, arriving just after daylight. After unloading I removed the foam and realized what I had done. After hearing your story I am thinking they may have died the night before. Subsequent moves of large colonies have been done with the bottom screen open and a screened top panel made just for the purpose. For future moves, I would probably have tried moving them closed up at 50F and below - had I not just heard this. I certainly won't now. Thank you for sharing. You likely saved bees and me some disappointment.

[@gunlinebees.3831]

Phillip! Why haven't you told us about this gentleman??? You've kept this to yourself we see... If he's willing we've gotta get him on Sunday Fellowship.

[@finiscary9689]

Great story, I found out the hard way (I had Bee fever also!!) don’t move bees at night with a flash light!! About 1985 young and I wanted my bees I just payed the man for Home. LOL

[@angelawoodring962]

I'm so sorry for laughing 😂😂😂😂😂