09/02/2026
On Monday, we officially called our Trap Out to a close.
After a month of trying every gentle, lowâimpact method to encourage this hive to relocate⌠these bees made their decision loud and clear.
They had zero interest in moving. And honestly? They were so calm and docile about it that I couldnât even be mad.
I could handle them bareâhanded with no stings â they werenât bumping me, werenât defensive, just happily living their best WinnieâtheâPooh life in that tree.
Since folks have been asking, hereâs the quick history of this little adventure:
We started by assessing the hive: one entrance, no way to smoke them out safely, and a location that made demolition impossible.
So we set up a mesh base and a funnel to limit reâentry, plus a beautiful new hive box stocked with drawnâout brood comb and sugar syrup â basically a fully furnished bee condo.
Week one brought curiosity but no commitment. Sugar syrup eaten, a little bearding around the funnel, but they stayed close to home.
So we tried a hose from the funnel to the new hive, hoping theyâd follow the path. Letâs just say⌠they did not appreciate that idea. They bunched up in the tube, and we had some losses I donât want to relive.
We shortened the hose, waited four more days, removed it altogether â still no movement.
At that point, the hive had spoken.
They were content, calm, and clearly determined to stay right where they were.
So we let them.
Sometimes the bees decide for you â and sometimes the best thing you can do is respect their choice.
