Hello Beekeeping Friends,
My husband Kent and I have kept bees for about 20 years in our backyard in Old Town Pinole. We are going to be traveling for a year and would like to re-home the hives. We are willing to give up all boxes and frames and bees, but would like to keep the stands.
We have extensive records and have been consistent with mite treatment over the seasons. All hives went into the winter with low mite counts. And all hives have been excellent honey producers. It is unclear from research when is the ideal time to move the hives, but we are leaving in March, and it would probably be better to move them before they start ramping up and swarm season approaches.
We have a truck and some straps, but would need experienced advice and help moving the hives. I imagine it's okay to split them up.
(Please note that we would probably try to let the hives fend for themselves un-managed for a year, but our uphill neighbor is planning to develop their property and has filed a complaint. Pinole's beekeeping code is incredibly restrictive, but we are working with staff to update the code and for the moment, our hives are under a stay so we don't have to move them immediately.)
We are happy to answer any questions.
You can reach us via text at 510-672-four56seven (Ann's cell) or a reply to this message.
Best,
Ann and Kent Moriarty
Old Town Honey, Pinole