Another thought provoking post.

There is a very big bee hive in my mango tree. I claim up the ladder yesterday to get a closer look and can see it's full of honey, perhaps well over a kilo in weight.

I really am undecided whether or not to cut it down and take the honey.

My evolutionary instinct is telling me to get it and enjoy it with my family.

I know how good this honey taste and how expensive the real thing is. And ofcourse how good for you it is.

What are your thoughts..

[Hidden]

Hi

I would say get what you can. I'm scared of heights so I wouldn't have even climbed up in the first place!!! Take care Lynne

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi, Hidden , Cooper27 , Zest , Brightfeather , Penel . Thank you for your replies.

I have in the last 5 years left the bees get on with their lives and keep the honey. There's been one bee hive every year since we lived here.

This time it was very big and I got it down..no problem at all and only one sting on my ear, a squeeze of lemon juice stop most of the pain. Was it worth it. Yes it was, actually more then worth it. Even a sting on the other ear could not take away the loveliness of honey.

No bees were got hurt as far as I could see.

We all went out for a few hours and when we come back we went to see if they had taken the bit of the hive that was left with some honey in it.

The branch was completely cleaned.

But only two metres away they had started another hive.. it looks to be about two feet long.

Looks like there willing to give it another chance.

Thanks for your replies.

[Penel in reply to Hidden]

That was a great result!

[Zest in reply to Hidden]

I second that!

[Cooper27 Administrator]

Can you get any without harming the bees? Bees are really good for local agriculture, so it's lovely to see them thriving

[Zest]

Hi Hidden

Really interesting to see that Bee Hive in your Mango Tree.

Regarding whether you take the honey or not, I don't know what to suggest - but whatever you decide - stay safe.

Zest

[Brightfeather]

I agree with Cooper. We need the bees, and they seem to have chosen a good spot because they are doing well there. I would vote for not bashing the bees. Keep them safe and enjoy how they contribute to your garden.

[Hidden in reply to Brightfeather]

I would say leave it. They need the honey for their welfare and survival and we need them for ours, Not their honey but the bees themselves.

[Penel]

If you really want the honey, it would be a good idea to get some advice from a local bee keeper. If you disturb the swarm you are likely to get badly stung.