Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

Hi,

When checking out the frames, is it normal to shake off the bees, or brush them off, or do you leave the bees on the frames?


I have been checking out my frames with the bees on the frames, but would get a better look if the bees were not covering most of the frames.

Wondering how you usually inspect your frames?

Thanks
David

Ill brush them off if needed. I try to leave them in place whenever possible. Ill look around them with my hive tool and or a flashlight to see eggs and brood/larva. it generally makes for happier inspections.

I'm new this year, so I could be wrong, but I've been able to see things this way and....not get stung :)

I leave them on. If I want to look where they are covering, I blow on them gently and they move over.

I also leave them on the frame. If I see something I want to look at, I will use my finger to move the bees away what I want to see.
The only time I shake the bees off the frame is to remove the frame to extract honey or take the frame out of the hive.

Hi,

Thanks for the replies.  I have been leaving them on the frames.  I have been blowing on the clusters of bees when I have been looking for the queen. 

I just thought I would be more efficient if I in checking all of the frames with no bees.
I will continue with leaving the bees on the frames.

Thanks again.
David

Just don't blow them around without a veil on.  Once in a while you'll get surprised by a few that come straight off the comb and hit you in the face... when that happens it is good to have a veil...