I did this, but in summer. I plugged the entrance with mattress foam thinking my screened bottom board would be enough ventilation. I had a friend helping me the night before the move to load the bees into the truck. After they were strapped with crossing ratchet straps, I realized I had forgotten to take out the slide in tray that blocked the bottom screen. I told my friend (who didn't own a single bee) what I had done, he said "it'll be alright" and we loaded the bees. The next morning, I drove about an hour and a half, arriving just after daylight. After unloading I removed the foam and realized what I had done. After hearing your story I am thinking they may have died the night before. Subsequent moves of large colonies have been done with the bottom screen open and a screened top panel made just for the purpose. For future moves, I would probably have tried moving them closed up at 50F and below - had I not just heard this. I certainly won't now. Thank you for sharing. You likely saved bees and me some disappointment.
Phillip! Why haven't you told us about this gentleman??? You've kept this to yourself we see... If he's willing we've gotta get him on Sunday Fellowship.
Great story, I found out the hard way (I had Bee fever also!!) don’t move bees at night with a flash light!! About 1985 young and I wanted my bees I just payed the man for Home. LOL
I did this, but in summer. I plugged the entrance with mattress foam thinking my screened bottom board would be enough ventilation. I had a friend helping me the night before the move to load the bees into the truck. After they were strapped with crossing ratchet straps, I realized I had forgotten to take out the slide in tray that blocked the bottom screen. I told my friend (who didn't own a single bee) what I had done, he said "it'll be alright" and we loaded the bees. The next morning, I drove about an hour and a half, arriving just after daylight. After unloading I removed the foam and realized what I had done. After hearing your story I am thinking they may have died the night before. Subsequent moves of large colonies have been done with the bottom screen open and a screened top panel made just for the purpose. For future moves, I would probably have tried moving them closed up at 50F and below - had I not just heard this. I certainly won't now. Thank you for sharing. You likely saved bees and me some disappointment.
Phillip! Why haven't you told us about this gentleman??? You've kept this to yourself we see... If he's willing we've gotta get him on Sunday Fellowship.
Great story, I found out the hard way (I had Bee fever also!!) don’t move bees at night with a flash light!! About 1985 young and I wanted my bees I just payed the man for Home. LOL
I'm so sorry for laughing 😂😂😂😂😂