Need some advice

[Robertbrown]

I'm new at this beekeeping thing and I'm concerned about some thing that has just started happening this year.
My bees are accumulating at the entrance in large numbers (several hundred) at the hive entrance in the evening. I have 3 hives and this behavior occurs at the 2 largest. This is new this season. What doe it mean? Is the hive getting too hot. It is in the shade for all of the day except for about 30 minutes. The temperature here has started to reach the 90's but is 65-70 during the night,
I live in central Florida,
Thanks for any advice you have. :roll:

[John Schwartz]

Totally normal behavior... it's called "bearding". They're just chillin out and regulating hive temp.

[luvin honey]

You may want to be sure the entrance is large enough (not reduced) to let in all the foragers at night...

[harvey]

Do you have a top entrance for the bee's,  That would let some of the heat out too I would think, course in florida you are concerned with shb also?  I havn't had to worry about that in michigan. 

[iddee]

1... Check to see if the hive is full. If it is, add a box.

2... Small hive beetles love shade, hate sun. Move the hive to sun. All day sun if available.

3... Check brood chamber. If crowded, move a few frames and add empty frames.

[indypartridge]

Hello Robert,

Welcome to Beemaster - a great forum to learn more about bees and beekeeping.

Yes, as others have said, "bearding" is normal.

In addition to Iddee's suggestions, I have two more:
1) Update your profile to include your location
2) Get involved with a local beekeeping club. Clubs are good places to find mentors and get connected with nearby beekeepers:
http://apisenterprises.com/fsba/fsbalocal.htm