Welcome back to the Bee Sanctuary! Today’s mission brought us to Lugari, where a routine owl nesting box had been hijacked. For five or six years, a colony of African honeybees (Apis mellifera scutellata) had been turning this wooden box into a fortress of propolis and honey.

In my experience, old owl boxes are some of the trickiest jobs we face. They aren’t just high up; they are heavy, sticky, and usually occupied by a colony that is very protective of their long-term home.

The “40-Kilo” Danger Zone

When a hive has been established for over half a decade, the weight becomes your biggest enemy. Between the layers of dark comb and the literal kilograms of propolis (bee glue) sealing every crack, this wasn’t just a bee job—it was a rigging job.

• The Weight Factor: We estimated the box at over 40kg. If those screws let go before the rope takes the weight, that box becomes a falling anvil that can rip through gear and clothing.
• The Rigging Strategy: I stayed on the ground managing the rope while Ethan climbed the ladder. In high-stakes removals, you don’t try to be a hero; one person keeps the rigging safe while the other manages the “aggro” bees.
• The Wrap: Before a single screw was turned, we wrapped the entire box in a sheet. This contains the colony and prevents a “bee explosion” the moment the box is pried away from the tree.

Breaking It Free

Despite the smoke, these bees were feeling defensive. Ethan was taking stings through his gloves, but when you’re holding the weight of a colony 15 feet in the air, you can’t exactly let go.

• The Crowbar Pivot: Once the straps were tight and the center point was secured, we used a crowbar to break the propolis seal.
• The Controlled Descent: We didn’t want the box plummeting. By using a slow-release rope system, we allowed the hive to “float” down to the ground. This keeps the internal comb from collapsing, which is vital for the bees’ survival.

Transferring the Fortress: Back at the Apiary

Once safely on the ground and double-wrapped to keep the “hitchhikers” from flying around the truck, we transported the whole unit back to our Bee Sanctuary Apiary. Working at ground level is much safer for the detailed work of a “cut-out.”

• Scooping vs. Vacuuming: Unlike our furniture removals where we use a vacuum, for this owl box, we preferred hand-scooping. We shook the bees directly onto the frames to keep the transition as natural as possible.
• Preserving the Brood: We carefully cut the dark, established comb and placed it into the new frames. Keeping the brood pattern intact ensures the colony feels “at home” and reduces the chance of them absconding.
• The Propolis Fortress: The sheer amount of propolis in this box was incredible. It’s a testament to how long they’ve been there, weatherproofing their home against the elements.

The Verdict: Precision over Speed

The riskiest part of this job wasn’t the stings—it was the physics. By taking the extra time to rig the rope system and bringing the entire nest down in one piece, we ensured the safety of both the beekeepers and the bees.

This colony is now settling into a standard hive where they can be managed and protected. It takes patience to move a 40kg fortress, but seeing them thrive in their new home makes every sting worth it.

Want to see a completely different kind of challenge?

Check out our video on removing a hive from inside a patio couch to see how we handle hidden “vanishing” colonies! Don’t forget to Subscribe and hit the Like button to support our conservation efforts.