When are they done?

[Keith13]

If your bees are still bringing in loads of pollen can you assume they are still bringing in nectar as well?

Keith

[Kathyp]

no...if those plants which are a nectar source in your area are done, they are not bringing in nectar.  many plants like squash, dandylion, etc. may be a good source of pollen but not nectar.

[Keith13]

I want to remove a layer of supers to bring them down to 2 deeps. can I go ahead and do this even though they are still packing in the pollen?

Keith

[Kathyp]

you can if they have room, but you live in a warmer part of the country.  you may not need or want to bring them down as much as someone who lives in the cold.  hopefully, someone from your area can give you better direction on this..  JP would be a good choice.  PM him if  he does not jump on this thread.

[Keith13]

Kathy the main reason I wanted to do this is I opened a couple of hives the other day and saw a bunch of SHB. My thinking is I have to much space for them to patrol. If I could reduce the space and jam em in there they would be better prepared to defend themselves. I worry the SHB will move in for a warm winter slumber party.

Keith

[WayneW]

sounds like you have a strong colony going......... do you have a SBB under it.......... a west trap will insure the SHB dont make it back in once knocked down. Of course limiting the space to be defended is beneficail as well.

[Michael Bush]

When all the nectar has dried up there is still pollen out there.

[JP]

Kathy the main reason I wanted to do this is I opened a couple of hives the other day and saw a bunch of SHB. My thinking is I have to much space for them to patrol. If I could reduce the space and jam em in there they would be better prepared to defend themselves. I worry the SHB will move in for a warm winter slumber party.

Keith

Keith, I prefer to condense my hives as well, I like a deep and two mediums for winter, or if its a rather smallish colony a deep and a medium, hope that helps.


...JP