Chimney Trap Out

A trap out is often the best way to remove bees from a wall, roof or chimney. A cone made from wire mesh is placed over the bee's entrance.

The bees leave their hive through the cone and go about their usual activities. When the bees return, they are unable to negotiate the cone and re-enter the cavity. They collect around the cone until the evening when they enter the hive box, placed near the base of the cone, as the temperature drops.

Over the course of the next few weeks the queen stops laying, all the brood hatches and the workers all leave their nest and accumulated in the hive box.

The most difficult part of the process is to stop the returning bees re-entering their original nest. The are very determined,

Finally the wire cone is removed and the bees, which are now acclimatized to their new home, re-enter their old combs, remove the honey, and store it in the hive box.

For more about a trap out get The Bee buzz.