Welcome back to the Bee Sanctuary! In my experience, the most dangerous bees are the ones you can’t see until you’re right on top of them. Tonight, we’re in Keng dealing with Apis mellifera scutellata—the African honeybee. They’ve moved into a borehole control box, making it impossible for the homeowner to even mow the lawn without a defensive response.

The Midnight Strategy: Red Lights and White Sheets

African honeybees are famously defensive, which is why we almost always work at night.

• The Red Light Advantage: We use red light because bees don’t perceive it the same way we do. If we used white light, the entire colony would be all over us the moment we broke the seal.
• The White Sheet Trick: Ethan and I lay down a white sheet under our workspace. It’s a simple trick that makes it much easier to spot any bees—or the Queen—if they drop off the comb during the move.
• Skipping the Smoke: I prefer not to use smoke if I can avoid it. Once the lid is open and the initial alarm settles, they generally calm down enough for us to work without the extra stress of smoke.

The “Goldilocks” Brood Pattern

Lifting the lid is always the moment of truth. As expected, they had built a substantial nest right onto the cover.

• Healthy Patterns: We found an incredibly healthy brood pattern. We decided to frame four frames of brood—which I call the “Goldilocks” amount. It’s enough to keep the colony motivated and warm, but not so much that they feel cramped in their new box.
• Temperature Matters: If the brood gets too cold during the transfer, the larvae can die and rot in the cells. This often causes the bees to “abscond” (abandon) the new hive. To prevent this, we actually put the newly framed brood directly into the BeeVac box with the bees for the drive home. This lets the workers cluster on the comb and keep it at that vital 38°C.

Bee-Proofing for the Future

We don’t just move the bees; we make sure the problem doesn’t come back. Once a cavity has been used by a hive, the lingering scent of wax is a magnet for future scouts.

• The Polyester Barrier: We use Fabul, a polyester insulation, to fill the void. By stuffing the control box, we ensure that any future scout bees see there is insufficient space to build a nest. It’s the most effective way to keep the borehole “bee-free.”

The Verdict: A Safe Transition

Back at the apiary, the transfer went smoothly. About 50% of the bees had already moved onto the frames during the drive, making the final move into the hive box nice and easy. By morning, they’ll be orientating to their new permanent home, and the homeowner can finally get back to the gardening!

Have you ever been surprised by a “stealth” hive in your garden? Tell us your story in the comments! If you enjoyed this late-night rescue, hit the Like button and Subscribe to join our mission.