FOSTORIA | Seneca County, OH Beekeeper Relocates Honeybees From Mennel Milling Grain Bin

FOSTORIA | In July 2025, Josh Tolento, owner of The Mindful Beekeeper™ responded to a unique challenge in Fostoria, where a customer reported honeybees nesting inside the door of an exterior grain bin. Requiring a 20-foot climb, our team expertly used ropes to safely lower the comb and bee box to the ground. With precision and care, we successfully removed and relocated the bees to our thriving farm, ensuring their preservation while protecting the property.

Staging

“At The Mindful Beekeeper, we take on challenging bee removal tasks with dedication and care. This image captures me in action during a July 2025 job in Fostoria, where I tackled a honeybee colony nestled inside the door of an exterior grain bin. Dressed in my protective gear, I’m seen crouching at the base of a towering 20-foot structure, preparing to use ropes to safely lower the comb and relocate the bees to our farm.”

The Colony

“I managed a honeybee colony housed inside the door of a grain bin, featuring 7 tightly packed layers of comb. Using cool mist water to calm the bees during extraction, I carefully removed over 20,000 bees and relocated them to our thriving farm, showcasing our dedication to preserving these vital pollinators while ensuring a safe and controlled process.”

After Removal

7 layers of comb can be seen at the top of the door where the remaining comb is still attached. The area was pressure washed & any beeswax scraped away to prevent re-infestation.

Arrival at The Mindful Beekeeper™ Honey Farm

Once the bees were relocated, they were inspected and tested for mites. “This colony was one of the least aggressive colonies I have extracted this summer.”

Nighttime Structuring

“Darkness fell before I could restructure the colony into an acceptable hive for the bees. Therefore I used red light while I worked throughout the night.”

New Home, Happy Bees

Did you know a honeybee will only produce 1/12 of a teaspoon of honey in it’s lifetime?