I'm new to the world of beekeeping - so today I noticed quite a few bees hanging out on the landing board of the SBB. The weather is quite warm (low 90's and humid). While I understand the bees congregating outside, I noticed quite a few are fanning-but the vast majority seem to be cleaning the SBB landing area by "sweeping" with their front legs and their heads are down. Just wondering if they are collecting dropped pollen or propolis or if they are just bored and very tidy? This is my first post to the forum and I am looking forward to all the info to be found here!
Welcome to Beemaster Opster.
What you are seeing is called washboarding. Some say they are really not doing anything but I suspect they are sanitizing the hive.
Jim
Welcome. :happy:
Welcome,
Washboarding always fascinates me. Almost like busy work for the kids!
Welcome! I don't use landing boards anymore so my bees washboard up the front of the hive around the entrance. It's very clean now....
Quote from: Rurification on July 23, 2016, 04:04:53 PM
Welcome! I don't use landing boards anymore so my bees washboard up the front of the hive around the entrance. It's very clean now....
Me too! I also build a 1-1/2 inch opening right into my SBB, biased to one side. Landing boards just collect water and vermin.