Save the Honey Bees

On December 28th we made settlement on a 1872 farmhouse. We knew this farmhouse needed a lot of TLC! What we didn’t know, and weren’t prepared for, was honey bees in the walls.  I like to think that I have a pretty good general knowledge of all things homestead, but honey bees are one thing I have very little knowledge about yet. 
(Before settlement, clearly this home has been neglected but we are up for the challenge. The circle is where the bees are taking up residence.) 

After much research on who would be best to remove the bees everyone kept steering us to “The bee guy” Allan Lattanzi. Allan has a local bee farm and is also a licensed general contractor.  When I spoke with him he was well aware of the property and the bees as he had been called to look at the colony by the previous homeowner.  After speaking with him and having him out we found out that the colony is 35+ years old.  There are 5 massive colonies primarily in one entire side of the home.  Did I mention the house is also slate sliding, cha ching.

(Allan using his "bee camera" aka thermal imaging)


While we felt a little deceived that the prior owner did not give us more information about the colonies (she was very well aware that they were there, how big it was and how long they had been there) buying the home in the dead of winter was not on our side as we did not see the massive amount of activity that is going on now. Since the burden now falls on our shoulders to remove these little creatures we are asking for help financially.  When I learned how expensive removal is I was shocked.  I even attempted to “shop around” but due to the sheer size and location everyone declined my free honey bees and referred us back to Allan.   


Since our bee population is critical for the pollination of our food we knew that we needed to remove them properly and with the right person, like Allan to do the job.  One in three bites of our food is from honey bee pollination, which is in decline due to the use of pesticides and loss of colony collapse.  Any donation can help us relocate these bees that have been quite happy in this old house for over three decades.  


We greatly appreciate every single person sharing, donating and helping us along the way to figure out the best strategy for removal and relocation of these amazing creatures!