A Beekeeper’s Guide to Relocating a Beehive from a Water Meter in Central Texas
Hey y’all, I’m Ben Baecker, the beekeeper behind Respite Bee Farm here in Temple, Texas. If you’ve stumbled across a beehive in your water meter, don’t fret—I’ve been there, and I’m here to walk you through how to handle it. Our honey bees are a big part of what makes Central Texas special, buzzing through wildflowers and helping our crops thrive. But a water meter? That’s no place for a hive! With our hot summers and Africanized bees around places like Temple, Austin, or San Antonio, this is a job for us pros. So, grab a glass of sweet tea, and let’s talk about moving those bees safely, Respite Bee Farm style.
Why Bees Pick Water Meters
I’ve seen plenty of hives at Respite Bee Farm, and water meters are like a magnet for our bees. These boxes—tucked underground or in tight enclosures—are cool, shady, and just right for a colony looking to settle down. Here in Central Texas, where July can hit 100°F, bees love that shelter. Trouble is, Africanized honey bees, common around Temple or Tarrant County, can be a bit testy, so we’ve got to handle them with care.
Moving a hive out of a water meter ain’t like patching a fence—it takes know-how and the right touch. Here’s how I do it at Respite Bee Farm, plain and simple.
Step 1: Spot the Hive, But Don’t Mess With It
First off, make sure you’re dealing with honey bees. My bees are fuzzy, golden little workers, buzzing in and out of the meter like they’ve got a job to do. You might see wax or honeycomb poking out. If they chase you a good ways—say, halfway across the yard—they might be Africanized bees, which we see plenty of around here.
Ben’s Tip: Don’t go poking at the meter or spraying bug killer. That’s like kicking a beehive—literally! Just take a look from a safe spot and give a beekeeper a holler. We’re used to tight spaces like these.
Step 2: Get a Registered Beekeeper on the Job
At Respite Bee Farm, I’m registered with the Texas Apiary Inspection Service (TAIS), so I’m trained to move bees safely and keep everything legal. It’s like calling a carpenter to fix your porch—you want someone who knows their craft. If I’m tied up tending hives in Temple, here’s where you can find other solid beekeepers:
Metro Beekeepers Association: They’ll hook you up with folks like Richard Threlkeld in Arlington (214-850-1558) or Ryan Giesecke in the DFW area (214-577-9562). They’ve tackled water meter hives before.
Bee Safe Bee Removal: Out of Dallas, they’ve got years of experience and a heart for saving bees.
American Honey Bee Protection Agency: They cover Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio, focusing on live relocation.
TAIS Directory: Need someone closer? Call TAIS at 979-321-5827 or email TAIS@ag.tamu.edu for beekeepers in your county, from Bell to Bexar.
Ben’s Tip: When you call, ask what the job entails and how they handle water meters. We charge based on the hive’s size and how tricky it is, just like any honest trade. It’s a fair deal for keeping bees safe.
Step 3: Set the Stage for Us
Once you’ve got me or another beekeeper lined up, here’s how to help:
Keep It Clear: Shoo kids, dogs, and curious neighbors away from the meter. Let your water utility know about the bees so no one stirs them up.
Ask Questions: Check out the TAIS Honey Bee Removal Informational Document to ask us about our process. I’m always happy to talk bees!
Time It Right: We’ll come by early morning or late evening when the bees are calm—key in our Central Texas heat.
Ben’s Tip: I use tools like a bee vacuum to move the colony gently. It’s like herding cattle, but smaller and buzzier!
Step 4: How I Move the Hive
Here’s what I do at Respite Bee Farm when I’m called to a water meter:
Check It Out: I’ll take a look at the meter to see if it’s a fresh swarm or a full hive with comb. Water meters are tight, so it’s a bit like working in a broom closet.
Easy Does It: Using my bee vacuum or careful hands, I gather the bees, queen, and comb, keeping the colony together for their next home.
Clean Up: I scrape out wax, honey, and pheromones so no new bees move in. It’s like sweeping the porch after a big party.
New Digs: The bees head to my apiary at Respite Bee Farm or another local spot, where they’ll keep pollinating our Central Texas crops.
Ben’s Tip: I’m careful not to bust up the meter, but if it gets banged up, you might need a contractor for fixes—“I’m a bee guy, not a plumber!”
Step 5: Keep Bees Out of Your Meter
After I’ve moved the hive, here’s how to keep it from happening again:
Patch It Up: that’s one thing I do that mostly keepers don’t do. I try to patch it up before I leave. I like to live by the motto leave it better than when you found it.
Keep Watch: Look for new bee activity in the weeks after. Scout bees can be nosy if any honey’s left behind.
Plant Smart: Grow Central Texas natives like blackfoot daisy or Texas sage to give bees a better place to hang out.
Support Us: Stop by Respite Bee Farm for some local honey—it’s the sweetest way to keep our work going!
Ben’s Tip:if you’re looking for a different beekeeper than me, ask them if they will patch up the job when they’re done. Often times they don’t and so you’ll need to line up a contractor to finish up the patch up job.
Why Trust Beekeepers Like Me
Messing with a hive yourself, especially with Africanized bees around Temple, is like trying to fix a tractor without a wrench. Stings hurt, and a riled hive in a water meter can cause a fuss. Plus, leftover honey can draw more bees or pests. At Respite Bee Farm, I’ve got the gear and the heart to do this right, following TAIS rules to keep our bees pollinating.
**Finding Be(existing)
If you’re looking for help online, search “Central Texas beehive removal water meter” or “Respite Bee Farm Temple Texas.” Check TAIS or Metro Beekeepers Association for pros with good reviews and Texas Transport Permits.
Wrapping Up
At Respite Bee Farm, there’s nothing I love more than saving a hive and giving those bees a new home. If you’ve got a water meter hive, give me a call or reach out to another registered beekeeper. We’ll take care of it with skill and care, keeping you safe and our pollinators buzzing. Got questions? Call TAIS at 979-321-5827 or visit their website for a local beekeeper. Let’s keep Central Texas buzzing right!
