Hello.
We live in Houston, Texas.
We are having a very hot summer.
We are first-time beekeepers and installed our package in early April.
The colony has been growing well. We have two deep hive bodies full and have added a honey super.
We noticed, about two weeks ago, the bees began to engage in a practice en masse on the front of the hive.
I have since discovered this practice to be wash-boarding.
They do it in the afternoon.
The hive-front is practically clear of bees during the day, when the foragers are out working.
However, in the last week or so, there has been additional activity in the afternoon.
In addition, to the many bees out wash-boarding, there are also groups of bees huddled together in different areas of the hive front.
We thought maybe this was a sign that the honey super was full, so we checked it and - no - they hadn't even finished filling out the comb yet.
There is plenty of room inside.
The entrance is clear.
There is plenty of pollen coming in.
The two deep hive bodies are full of beautiful capped honey.
Could these bees be hanging outside just because it is so hot in the afternoons?
If so, why would they be clumping together.
Is it something i should be worried about?
I would appreciate any advise and/or insight.
Thank you,
Richardsons
I'm not an expert, but it sounds to me like normal bee behavior in hot climates.
>>>>Could these bees be hanging outside just because it is so hot in the afternoons?<<<<
Yes, it is called bearding and is quite natural. Nothing to worry about. I have had them cover the whole front of a 2 deep hive.
They need more ventilation.
A screened bottom board can help. Still, they may beard. I am in FL and it is common here.
Top ventilation would help a lot
http://www.bushfarms.com/beesfaqs.htm#bearding