Bee behavior at entrance today

[Jessaboo]

Hi guys -
There is literally no movement unless I poke them a bit and they readjust. There is no fanning. No scenting. No washboarding.

A few girls did come flying back from the field while I was watching this cluster and were allowed in but I am a little worried that this might look swarmish?

I have been thinking the hive is a little full but this is my first year so I don't have a real gauge to go by.


Thanks.

- Jess

[EasternShore]

Maybe a Bee Party?...A Honey Kegger gone wrong?

Jess, how full are the frames inside, packed? Is it 1 single deep?

I've been told its good to have good numbers late in the year.

I can't wait to hear from the sages...........

[Jessaboo]

Sorry - I guess details WOULD be helpful!!

2 deeps 10 frames/each wax foundation. Both pretty darn full. When we open the hive we have that "bubbling" effect as the bees come out. We are still having lots of orientation flights which has surprised me as I figured this would be slowing down now. I have seen lots of drones being given the ole' heave ho which seems right on for the time of year.

We added a small super about 2 weeks ago which was our first add for the year. We have not checked on it yet.

[buzzbee]

Prop the top a little above the inner cover,it will give them somewhere to hang out under roof if they need it.

[Michael Bush]

Is the hive heavy?  Light?  Did you look for stores?  Bees usually do move.  Lethargic bees are often starving bees.  If they are just hot they don't move a lot, just hang around, but when you prod them they move.

[Brian D. Bray]

Are you applying mite-away or Apistan?  Cluster at the mouth of the hive like that usually indicates a contaminate inside such as chemical treatments etc.

[Jessaboo]

Thanks for your responses.

I have not been able to get in the hives because it is so miserable here but the last time I checked the two deeps were really full.

I do keep the outer cover propped and I use a screened bottom board. 

I am not treating with any miticides, etc. and have not put anything else in the hive.

I am seeing some thready winged bees again so I know my mites are back (had a period of no brood this year so was mite free for awhile). Will plan to sugar shake again when I can get in the hive and see how bad that is. I know there were some hive beetles, too but from what I understand a few are to be expected and I am not getting any smell off the hive like I have heard described when there is a beetle infestation that is causing the honey to spoil.

I have not seen this exact behavior again over the past few days but when you look into the entrance you can still see that there are an awful lot of bees hanging low off the bottom of the frames.

Despite the weather I have seen lots of pollen going in today and still plenty of drones being removed as well as some dead larvae.

The only other curious behavior is the yellow jackets hanging out on the ground in front of the hive. They appear to be snacking on the dead larvae and other debris.

[Understudy]

I am going to ask a silly question what time was it when you took the picture. I have seen bees like that but it is usually at dusk. The bees block up the entrance like that at night. But that is the only time I have seen it like that.

Sincerely,
Brendhan

[rdy-b]

I have seen bees do that when there is some starting of robing -you said that there where yellowjackets around that copuld be there defencive line -if they where carnies i would say they are drawing propolise to close the entrance -from intruders bees start to act funy when the weather starts to change -could be anything :lol: RDY-B

[MustbeeNuts]

hmm my bees do that lots , I don't know why but they do it and then it goes away, but like Understudy says its evening or on overcast days , cool days, things like that , I don't think its a swarm thing but im new also.

[KONASDAD]

Mine are doing it too Jess. I think Understudy hit it on the head inadvertently. Its so cloudy and crappy weather, the bees think its dusk. A few are flying, but very few because of "impending" weather . Bad weather that doesn't seem to get here.

[BeeHopper]

Looks like you need a 10 frame Slatted Rack  ;)

[Understudy]

I was going ask about the weather I see konasdad beat me to it. :)
Because today it rained and the bees went right into that position on mine.

Sincerely,
Brendhan