Is this general housekeeping?

[FlexMedia.tv]

This is my split hive I combined a few months ago. All was well. They cut through the newspaper and there were no Bees tossed outside the ring. Now it's cold in Michigan and I'm hoping this is just housecleaning and not a battle royal?


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[BeeMaster2]

Hard to see most of the bees but it looks like most are drones. The bees kicked the drones out in prep for winter.
Jim

[Acebird]

I don't like the looks of that.  Why are they concentrated around the entrance and piled up in the entrance?

[richter1978]

This is my split hive I combined a few months ago. All was well. They cut through the newspaper and there were no Bees tossed outside the ring. Now it's cold in Michigan and I'm hoping this is just housecleaning and not a battle royal?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Howdy, been awhile since I've posted. Just popped in for a look. 2 things I notice that might help explain, dead yellow jacket(kind of wedged under landing board and at least one worker with deformed wing virus.

[Van, Arkansas, USA]

I clearly see two, 2 bees with deformed Wing virus.  The first is the most front Bee, the second is on the left half (facing frame) and towards the back.  Yes, I clearly see the yellow jacket, too.

[little john]

Helluva lot of black mould there.  I'd bet that the inside of the hive is a lot worse. 
LJ

[Van, Arkansas, USA]

One varroa mite, crystal clear, 2nd bee far left, reader left that is, hive entrance right side.  Another 2nd mite, but hard to direct your eyes to.  Mites and deformed Wing virus, welcome to the crowd.

Blessings

[FlexMedia.tv]

Just a confirmed mess, I tell ya!
First of all it's a homemade hive and looks like my stain and varnish isn't holding up. I started it with a package that during the season didn't do well. I combined it with a small swarm that wasn't making honey but I thought it was because they didn't like the plastic frames. Probably should move the hive away from my in,y good hive and shake it out in the Spring?

[Acebird]

There is no coating that will hold up outside unless it has UV inhibitors in the formulation.