swarm-list Mailing List: Re: Extraction from water meter box in Oakland

[Paula Breen (paulaellen70]

The hook end of a hive tool works just fine for opening those up. Some rubber bands and empty foundationless frames make it an easy job, but if it's hot the comb will be floppy and delicate. A second pair of hands is definitely a plus if you can do it. Bring a sign to put on the box so passersby know what's happening. I like to use a little caution tape and sidewalk chalk too, just to give people plenty of heads up to go around. Then take them home after dusk like any other swarm. Once you get all the bees out of the cavity slap a piece of duct tape over the hole so the foragers don't go back in there. 

On Wed, Aug 6, 2025, 4:47 PM Claire Lussier <lussier.claire [at] gmail.com> wrote:

Still available! The vector bee keeper wasn’t able to get out and grab these girls. They are in the Meter box in sidewalk landscaping. Miles said they seem like they have a bit of comb attached to the lid so you could collect the bees and install some comb, if someone would like to. I would say this would be a great one for an amateur extractor or a confident swarm collector. 

I am out of town the next few days but if no one can get them, I will be back Sunday and can collect them then or Monday. 

Miles says they aren’t a giant colony but seem healthy and happy with a queen. The space is just one of those meter boxes for ebmud you find in the side walk and my guess is they are just hanging from the lid. I would just bring a couple of crow bars to just lift the lid up and set it on something while you cut off the comb, secure the queen in a nuc and let the other ones march in. 

	Claire Lussier M. (510) 590-1789

On Wed, Jul 30, 2025 at 4:29 PM Claire Lussier <lussier.claire [at] gmail.com> wrote:

Miles from vector says someone at the office is a bee keeper and going to try and take them out tomorrow. If they are not able to, he will circle back and I will update. Likewise if anyone wants to go grab these ladies, I’d love to tell them if we get it handled on our side. 

	Claire Lussier M. (510) 590-1789

On Wed, Jul 30, 2025 at 4:13 PM Kris Wong <kriswongkriswong [at] gmail.com> wrote:

Open to that! but want to make room for others who want to claim earlier. 

Kris Wong | 323.381.8466

On Wed, Jul 30, 2025, 1:00 PM Claire Lussier <lussier.claire [at] gmail.com> wrote:

I could’ve assisted a first time who wants to collect this, but I don’t have availability until Friday to do so. If no one else picks it up by then, I’m happy to help if someone wants to bring a hive and collect. 

	Claire Lussier M. (510) 590-1789

On Wed, Jul 30, 2025 at 12:23 PM Kris Wong via swarm-list <swarm-list [at] alamedabees.org> wrote:

This is 11 min from me but I'm new to beekeeping(looking to house my empty hive). Would love to shadow someone. 

Kris Wong | 323.381.8466

On Wed, Jul 30, 2025, 11:49 AM Paula Breen via swarm-list <swarm-list [at] alamedabees.org> wrote:

I had neighbors call me about one in a meter box. I just took it. Didn't wait for eb mud. The hook end of a hive tool works very well to lift off the lid. Maybe out of bounds but all's well that ends well. 

On Wed, Jul 30, 2025, 11:46 AM Claire Lussier via swarm-list <swarm-list [at] alamedabees.org> wrote:

Called. Unclear who will allocate the extraction. Miles from vector control is going to talk to east bay mud and circle back. 

	Claire Lussier M. (510) 590-1789

On Wed, Jul 30, 2025 at 10:56 AM Jerry Przybylski via swarm-list <swarm-list [at] alamedabees.org> wrote:

EBMUD called Vector Control +1 (510) 591-2380
who called me

1433 Hampel street
Oakland

In the parking strip
Don’t know how much comb if any

Probably no money in it

Let us know if you plan to take this on so people don’t duplicate effort

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To unsubscribe or modify your subscription options, to learn how
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Safety first! No swarm is worth risking injury to self, or host.
Make sure you're familiar with the swarm catching guidelines at
<https://www.alamedabees.org/swarm-catching-guidelines/>.

To unsubscribe or modify your subscription options, to learn how
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Safety first! No swarm is worth risking injury to self, or host.
Make sure you're familiar with the swarm catching guidelines at
<https://www.alamedabees.org/swarm-catching-guidelines/>.

To unsubscribe or modify your subscription options, to learn how
to filter these messages, or to view the archives, see:
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