A Cardboard Surprise: How a Routine Swarm Capture Turned into a Full Hive Rescue
We were recently contacted by the Arbely family, who had a peculiar problem: bees had taken up residence inside a crushed cardboard box in their backyard.
Initially, we assumed it was just a swarm temporarily hanging out in the box before moving on. After all, we had never encountered bees building a hive inside a cardboard box before! So, we arrived with our usual five-frame nuc box, prepared to relocate what we thought was a simple swarm.
A Swarm or a Hive? The Unexpected Discovery
But the situation was far from simple. Upon arrival, we quickly realized this wasn’t a swarm. There was a fully developed beehive nestled inside the mangled cardboard box!
To add to the challenge, we had less than an hour of daylight left to tackle this unexpected twist. Time was ticking, so we jumped into action.
Our first task was to cut out the comb and carefully frame it for transport. As we worked, we vacuumed as many bees as we could and transferred them into the nuc box.
With daylight fading fast, we were racing against time, but fortunately, we managed to complete the job just before darkness set in.
At this point, we thought we had removed all the bees from the cardboard box. So, we shifted the box closer to our nuc to encourage any remaining bees to move into their new hive overnight. But when I went to tug on the box, it wouldn’t budge.
Daylight Fading and a Surprising Twist
Now that was odd—how could a flimsy cardboard box be so heavy? Curiosity got the best of me, and when I lifted the back flap, we were in for a surprise! There was an entirely separate section of hive and twice as many bees still inside the box, hidden from our view!
This was no swarm—it had now turned into a full-blown 10-frame box hive. Realizing we couldn’t finish the job with the equipment we had on hand, we had to break the news to the Arbelys.
We explained that the situation had evolved and we would need to come back the next day with the proper equipment to transfer the rest of the colony.
Day Two: Completing the Hive Removal
The following day, I returned around noon, fully prepared this time. The weather was a bit chilly, but the sun was shining, making it a perfect day to complete the job.
I started by moving the bees from the nuc box into their new 10-frame hive and began the meticulous process of cutting out the remaining honeycomb. This time, I worked at a more leisurely pace, as I had plenty of daylight to ensure every part of the hive was transferred safely.
During the removal, I had plenty of time to reflect on the situation. It was a valuable reminder of why assumptions can be misleading, especially in beekeeping.
Jumping to conclusions without having all the facts can catch even the most experienced among us off guard. This won’t be the last time I find myself in a surprising situation like this, but it’s all part of the learning process.
I had initially assumed the box was too damaged to house anything substantial, but there I was, dealing with 5,000 bees and a significant hive. It just goes to show that looks can be deceiving! Thankfully, despite the cool weather—it was around 50°F—the bees were mostly calm and cooperative.
After the bees were settled in their new hive, we left the box in place for another couple of days to give any stragglers time to join the colony.
Relocating the Hive for Winter Comfort
Once the hive was fully rehomed, we relocated the box to a sunnier spot in the Arbelys' yard. With very little shade, this location will allow the sun to warm the hive all day, ensuring the bees stay comfortable through the winter.
Speaking of which, we’re hoping Las Vegas doesn’t experience too cold of a winter this year. If the weather is mild and we get an early spring, we might be adding a honey super as early as April! These bees are definitely going to need room to grow.
The Arbely family has a spacious property, which is ideal for supporting a large beehive. It’s always reassuring to know that the bees are in good hands with people who appreciate them.
The Arbelys were gracious, welcoming, and genuinely excited about their new guests. With such a great setup, we know these bees are in for a happy, thriving future.
Looking back on this removal, it serves as a perfect example of how unpredictable beekeeping can be. But it's these kinds of surprises that keep us on our toes and make the work so rewarding.
Betsy and Pete
Las Vegas, Nevada
About Us: The Authors
We're Betsy and Pete, passionate Las Vegas beekeepers trained by a master in the field. With hundreds of successful bee and bee swarm removals under our belts, we're not just experts; we're enthusiasts committed to the well-being of these incredible pollinators.
We manage dozens of beehives, both natural and honey-bearing at our Joshua Tree Preserve.
Our Commitment to Excellence
Education is an ongoing journey, especially in a dynamic field such as beekeeping. That's why we continually update our knowledge base, collaborate with other experts, and stay up to date with the latest advancements in bee control methods and beekeeping practices.
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