Help! Bees clustered outside hive?

[schmthulhu]

This is my first summer with bees, and I've noticed what seems to be quite strange behavior.

I'm using a top-bar hive I built, that stands on legs about three feet off the ground and has some garden mesh as a bottom.

This evening, I noticed that a large number of bees were congregated on the underside of the hive, on the garden mesh that serves as a bottom. I went out there again after dark to see if they had gone inside when the sun went down, and was surprised to find that there were even more bees on the underside, clustered together and completely filling the entrance. They were calm and very quiet, but it was quite alarming.

I plan on making an inspection tomorrow, to see what's going on inside and to take pictures -  but I wanted to get any members opinions on what could be happening. Could this be pre-swarming activity? This is a freshly installed package. Could the hive be too hot inside?  :-\

( I installed my package about a month ago, and have made regular checks. Everything has seemed well: lots of drawn comb, busy queen, saw eggs, uncapped and capped brood. Lots of nectar and some pollen. )

[jojoroxx]

...This evening, I noticed that a large number of bees were congregated on the underside of the hive, on the garden mesh that serves as a bottom. I went out there again after dark to see if they had gone inside when the sun went down, and was surprised to find that there were even more bees on the underside, clustered together and completely filling the entrance. They were calm and very quiet, but it was quite alarming....

search "bearding" on this forum, and elsewhere for more info.

I had the same concern a few days back. So, after researching the numerous posts related to the topic here, I opened up the top cover a bit. I ended up cocking it off to one side far enough back to allow airflow but not so far open as to admit bees... Bearding is now diminished. From what I understand, it is directly linked to a need for greater ventilation, and once you are certain they have plenty of room, and good air flow, you can just relax, because it is basically normal bee behavior. Something like settin' on the front porch i heard...

[schmthulhu]

Thanks! I wouldn't have guessed at what to search for.

[SgtMaj]

He's right about the venthilation.  Afternoon shade will help, too. 

[Robo]

Upper openings are key to good ventilation.

[SgtMaj]

As well as screened bottom boards.

[Michael Bush]

http://www.bushfarms.com/beesfaqs.htm#bearding