Corpus Christi, TX — A colony of approximately 45,000 honey bees discovered beneath a drainage manhole cover at the Harbor Bridge Project has been safely rescued and relocated rather than exterminated.
Project crews discovered the active colony and partnered with Jackass Honey Farms to remove the bees as part of environmentally responsible practices implemented on the project.
The approximately 45,000 bees were carefully removed and transported to a new home, where they will be monitored for the next three months before eventually joining other healthy colonies used for honey production.
According to the Harbor Bridge Project, the cavity beneath the manhole cover provided cooler temperatures, airflow and protection from the weather, creating favorable conditions for the colony.
Bee Facts:
• A single honey bee may visit between 50 and 100 flowers during one foraging trip.
• Bees communicate through dancing, vibrations and pheromones.
• A healthy hive typically has one queen.
• Approximately 12 bees’ lifetime work is needed to produce one teaspoon of honey.
• Colonies can establish themselves in walls, ceilings, trees, water meters and other protected spaces.
The relocation was highlighted as an example of how major infrastructure work can incorporate efforts to protect pollinators and wildlife.
Jackass Honey Farms, including a beekeeper known as “The Queen Whisperer,” helped locate the queen and safely remove the colony.
