I went into my hive today to see how the shb problem was looking. Havent been in ther for a while.
Only 1 10 frame box. The 2 frames on one side are still empty but the others are being filled nicely. Until today of course.
I lit my smoker gave the entrance a few puffs and popped the lid. I then gave the bees another quick puff or 2 and removed the 2 empty frames so I could have a look at the inside of the box. I did see a few hive beetles on the inside of the lid and killed them. Then I went back to the box to smoke them and the smoker went out. So as I am wrestleing with the smoker fully gloved Florida weather kicks in and it starts pouring oout of nowhere. The bees started getting angry so I decide to abort and put the 2 empty frames back in to call it a day. As I was doing that I thought I saw the queen on the bottom board screen curled up in a ball. Things were getting nasty and hostile but, I am pretty sure it was her. If it was her I am thinking I must have hurt her in removing those frames. I will confirm when the hive and weather calm down.
So my question is what do I want to do if it was her?
Let them make a new queen? I keep reading that is what they do in nature. It is still hot here so I dont know that weather is an issue.
Buy one asap? If so where can I order one in Florida?
Thanks, :?
Many people have gray hair from worrying about what MIGHT be. Wait 5 days and look for eggs. If you don't find any, then is the time to worry.
I agree, wait and see if you find eggs. If she was killed then you should find queen cups. I'm over here in Tampa area and I think if the hive was already healthy that there is enough time to make a new queen. The weather is going to be warm for quite a while yet. If you want to buy one I know a queen breeder in Lakeland that will mail you one.
Ow many hives do you have ? I am always interested in meeting others in the area to network. I work in Fort Lauderdale.
Always up for a coffee and bee talk.
Mike