An Observation in Beehavior

[BeeHopper]

I have been tending my hives as early as 6:00 am lately ( adding hive bodies for growing colonies, inspections, etc ) and the Sun light hits them as early too. I have noticed how docile they are compared to working them in the afternoon or later, even though I've been keeping bees since 2006, I have never tended them this early. As I open the hives, not one bee gets pissy, they go about their business, however, during the afternoon, the bad attitude shows up. Does anyone experience a time of day when the bees are at their best and worst behavior  :?

BH

[jgaito]

i haven't tried that early in the morning.   i have one hive that's pretty unsociable but very productive that may prefer that time slot.
i know i don't like being there in the sun at 95 degrees.

[BeeHopper]

i haven't tried that early in the morning.   i have one hive that's pretty unsociable but very productive that may prefer that time slot.
i know i don't like being there in the sun at 95 degrees.

I hear ya. The temps and the fact that my beeyard is on the way to my regular job is 2 reasons why I am working them so early. It's going to be in the 90s all week here in the Delaware Valley, but I know someone here will chime in and brag about their 100s  :evil:

[slacker361]

I think the bees just didnt have their coffee yet   :roll:

[Paynesgrey]

We are new beekeepers, but have noticed a definite difference so far. If we work with the bees now, early 7 am through 9 am, when it is still cool (70's or 80's), they are very calm & easy. The warmer it gets, (later in am) the more irritable they get. We did not notice a difference when the hives were packages and the weather cool, in fact we tried to not open the hives unless it was warm enough in the day not to chill the brood. NOW, there is a marked difference.

Yesterday I added beetle traps to one hive, when it was late afternoon, 90 + with heat index nearing 100. Bad idea. I was really glad that the smoker was working well & I was covered (longsleeves, jeans, boots, socks outside of jeans), veiled and wearing gloves. The smoke did not seem to really calm the bees, or send them down, like normal. They'd come right back up. I suppose if I was smoked inside a stifling box, I might come back outside too & grumpy? Also think more of the workers were home, by the congestion.

If I had not been wearing the gloves, I'd have taken several stings just adding the beetle traps. (I have not been wearing gloves for am hive inspections in the morning, but may start, or at least when it is warm.) Taught me to be more careful, and considerate I think. (But I am wondering how any necessary work gets done when it is 100 degrees all day....full beesuits & heatstroke?)