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A while back planted a load of fruit trees (apple pear and plum), because I've always wanted my own orchard. Now that spring has finally sprung, the more mature trees are now in full bloom. I was having a quiet moment walking through them last night when I noticed a large number of bees going about their business as mother nature intended. I carefully caught one and did a quick google to discover they're common or garden honey bees.
Now.. I know 3 things about bees
1.They pollinate fruit trees .... a very good thing
2.They produce honey ... a very good thing
3.They can give a nasty sting ... not a very good thing
So ... after watching the little fellas hard at work, I noticed those leaving the trees were flying off in the direction of our hay barn ... so I went off to investigate. Low and behold I discovered a hole in the side shuttering where the bees were busy going in and out. Looking inside I couldn't help but hear the humming so on further investigation I'm guessing I have a bees nest (or hive) in the wall cavity of our hay barn.
Now here's my plan ... do nothing ... leave them alone to do the work old mother nature assigned to them
and reap the rewards of the fruit from the trees. There doesn't seem to be any damage to the barn, if there is ... it's easily repaired.
Now here's where I need advice and help ......
I just love the idea of having a spoon full of honey from a wild bee hive made from pollen my own trees. How would I go about getting my spoon full of honey. Would it be safe to eat and what can I do to keep them healthy over the winter so they'll be around next year?
Any advce would be appreciated.
Now.. I know 3 things about bees
1.They pollinate fruit trees .... a very good thing
2.They produce honey ... a very good thing
3.They can give a nasty sting ... not a very good thing
So ... after watching the little fellas hard at work, I noticed those leaving the trees were flying off in the direction of our hay barn ... so I went off to investigate. Low and behold I discovered a hole in the side shuttering where the bees were busy going in and out. Looking inside I couldn't help but hear the humming so on further investigation I'm guessing I have a bees nest (or hive) in the wall cavity of our hay barn.
Now here's my plan ... do nothing ... leave them alone to do the work old mother nature assigned to them
and reap the rewards of the fruit from the trees. There doesn't seem to be any damage to the barn, if there is ... it's easily repaired.
Now here's where I need advice and help ......
I just love the idea of having a spoon full of honey from a wild bee hive made from pollen my own trees. How would I go about getting my spoon full of honey. Would it be safe to eat and what can I do to keep them healthy over the winter so they'll be around next year?
Any advce would be appreciated.