I did an inspection today while reversing my deeps. A few of the outer frames had a few small groups of dead bees with their heads stuck in the cells. They probably left the cluster to get food and died. There is capped food that looks good on these few frames but there are some moldy areas that I did my best to remove. Will the bees work this frame of do I have to get rid of it?
Thanks!
By the way, up here in the South Eastern Wisconsin area, we're seeing about a 40% loss of overwintered bees.
The dead bees head down in the cells were more likely to have died from being away from the cluster when the weather got colder and they were going for the last bit in those particular cells. The bees will clean out the dead bees, it's called hygenic behavior.
Quote from: Brian D. Bray on April 30, 2008, 12:41:12 AM
The dead bees head down in the cells were more likely to have died from being away from the cluster when the weather got colder and they were going for the last bit in those particular cells. The bees will clean out the dead bees, it's called hygenic behavior.
Yea, that's what I figured. I'm just not seeing allot of hygienic behavior. My bees must be the Oscar Madisons of the bee world.
I don't think they bother cleaning until they need it. They are compulsive about keeping their used area clean, but outside of that area they are pretty laid back! They will get to it when the nest expands.
Well, I suppose that means that with lots of space, swarming isn't going to be a big concern. Lot's of empty cells. I switched the deeps so they have a ton of room to expand above them now.