By Richard Fagerlund
Scripps Howard News Service Q: We just moved into our home last summer and discovered a hive of bees in an inaccessible area beneath our front patio. I counted what seems like hundreds of them swarming in and out of the hole last summer, so obviously we avoid that area. Our problem is we intend to start construction this spring on landscaping and a new garage and I am afraid of the bees. We'll be digging up the land next to the patio under which they live. The opening is approximately 2 to 3 inches wide up and down and about 4 inches wide side-to-side; it also looks like a bit of brick or concrete is missing at the bottom of the step. I am allergic to bee stings and would like to get rid of them before they start flying around. I really don't want to destroy them, but how do I get them out of there without causing a major incident? Do I need a professional or is there something I can do? I thought of just cementing up the hole before spring, but then I have fears they will find a way out and I have nightmares of being chased by an angry horde. Can you help us? A: Have you tried a beekeeper? Some beekeepers can lure bees out of one hive by bringing in a portable hive with another queen. Then they take the new bees back to their apiary. I know such things have been done where I live. If you can't find a beekeeper, you may want to call an exterminator. I don't like killing bees, either, but if you are allergic it could be very serious if you get stung. When you weigh all the options, you may have to eradicate the bees. But try to find a beekeeper first. (Send questions for Richard Fagerlund to University of New Mexico Environmental Services, Physical Plant Department, 1818 Camino del Servicio N.E., Albuquerque, N.M. 87131-3500 or e-mail fagerlun@unm.edu.)
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