Bees on outside of hive

[jgarzasr]

This past week every day there is a beard of bees on the front of the hive.  It has not been very hot out - So I know that can't be the reason.  Is it just that the hive is so crowded they hang outside so they don't over heat the hive?  Also - I have not harvested any honey this year seeing how my two hives are new - but I am just curious how much honey will the bees produce from the fall flow?  One more question - I have not seen any sign of Varroa Mites on any of the bees when doing inspections?  Do you usually see them if the hive is infected?  I especially look at the drones which are very few - and they are clean.  I guess I am just curious about some of you that know your bees have Varroa - do you generally see them on your bees?  I also do not see them on any Brood Worker or Drone. Thanks for the replies.

[bassman1977]

This past week every day there is a beard of bees on the front of the hive. It has not been very hot out - So I know that can't be the reason.

Sometimes they just beard.  If you have about 70% or more of your boxes full, you can add another.  How's ventilation?  Using a screened bottom board can help, if you don't use one, you can crack the outer cover to increase air flow.

I have not seen any sign of Varroa Mites on any of the bees when doing inspections?

If you don't see many mites, you probably don't have a problem.  I've spent hours looking for mites in my hives and found one in each.  They are little brownish red specks on the bees' backs.  If you are concerned, you can use a sticky board with a sbb to help you detect an infestation.

[Finsky]

This past week every day there is a beard of bees on the front of the hive. .

Your hive is too small for bees. Look inside and look, do they have room for honey and  for brood.  If there is all honey capped and brood tightly beside, hive is full.

You may put lowest  an empty box  (foundations or combs if you have)

But if you have plenty of honey, exctract them away.

You just learn to look state of colony. That is beekeeping.

[Michael Bush]

I'm with Finsky.  If its not hot out, then there's not enough room.

[Kris^]

I'd check to see if they were full up.  Two of my hives are new from packages this year, and I've gotten 45 lbs. from one and 53 from the other.  A lot better than last year!  Also, mites are easier to see in brood, so uncap some drone brood and see if there are any in there.  I haven't seen any yet this year.  Last year I was finding them in early June, and it led to a big infestation that led to deformed bees in the fall.  Fortunately, winter came late, and I could treat after the fall flow and still have young bees inside when the cold weather hit.

-- Kris