5 weeks ago I caught this large swarm in a 8 frame box which had 1 frame with drawn comb and 7 with just a starter strip. Checked them 2 weeks ago and they were working last 2 frames. I wanted 2 moved them last weekend but life happened and it didn't get done until last night. Last night it was probably around 60? at dark with a low at 53?. When I got to the box there was a large number of bees on the front around the entrance. Thing i thought odd is they were not spread out but appeared to be balled up all at the entrance. Could this be swarm prep from me being to slow and they filled out the box and need more space? Or maybe something else going on? I moved them and right now they are sitting on top of a 10 frame box that I plan on putting them in this afternoon. I caught another small swarm last week and I also noticed I lot activitie with scouts in and out of another trap. Still learning and your thoughts are greatly appreciated :cool:
Normal bearding when hive is too warm and they move some outside to cool easier. Search "bees bearding in hot weather".
They need more room. A colony expands and does not fit in one box. Move them into a double deep 10F set.
Thanks for the replies, HP over crowded was my first thought. I know I am late getting them into another box but I just wasn't real sure what I was seeing. I have seen my bees bearding and seen many pics of the same but this looked different. When I have seen them bread they where spread out in a single layer across the front. Those last night were all piled on top of each other and that stuck out almost 2 inches to the end of the landing board. Basically a ball stuck to the front of the box. I assume since it did get down to almost 50? that they were just staying warm. I will be putting them in a 10 frame box and I going to add a 2nd deep with some drawn comb and I'll be ready incase I see more than 1 queen again...
Try a screened bottom board or better a DSBB
Still kinda new at this Mr Paus and have no clue what DSBB is short for could you enlighten me please.
I have seen a large swarm build 10 deep frames from scratch, comb and all, in two weeks.
I would imagine that as you expand your hive into a double deep setup, you will find many swarm cells, and can create some nucs.
I am west of Macon, Ga. The rain and cold we had last week set us back a bit, but they are still building comb.
DSBB is Double Screen Bottom Board. I build mine with enough space, 3 1/2 ",1X4 so I can slide a used casserole pan with 3/4 " used cooking oil between the screens . I have a door on the back of the DSBB so I can service the oil pan and not disturb the bees. I use #8 hardware cloth for the screens. SHB and mites fall through the top screen and into the oil. The oil needs to be serviced, as trash from the hive soon fills the pan. I strain and reuse if the oil is not to polluted, the used oil makes good fire starter if used with caution. There are numerous postings on this same subject.
Hey Bob, yes I learned my lesson, should have move them and put them in bigger box when I checked them at 3weeks. I did get them moved into the 10 frame and the 8 frame box was bursting with bees. I went through it slowly and looked at ever frame and found no queen cells to my surprise. I am still amazed at how fast they can build comb and how many bees were inthat box. I add 2nd deep with 3 frames of comb and rest frames with starter strip. Hopefully in 2 to 3 weeks I can add a medium box for honey.
Paus thanks, I actually built 2 bottoms just like you described but I have not used them yet. I have seen a few beetles here and there but haven't done anything for them yet except smash them with my hive tool. Next time in that box I may go ahead and put one on it. May help me see just a little more of what is going on in that hive.