Cleaning out the dead bees.

[Aroc]

As a first year beek going into winter I am concerned with the number of dead bees out front. I do understand that this is normal and actually a sign of a hive doing well.  As long as dead bees are being brought out there are live bees inside.

I have heard of some beek cleaning out the bottom board periodically to help keep the lower entrance open.  The problem I have is a mouse guard in the way.

Has anyone developed a way to deal with this?

[Psparr]

They will bee fine. They've been doing it longer than you.

[mikecva]

Try looking at the eyes and determain if they are mostly drones. If so, not to worry.  -Mike

[BeeMaster2]

Try looking at the eyes and determain if they are mostly drones. If so, not to worry.  -Mike

I was going to say the same thing but then I looked at where you are located and all of the drones should be long gone. Even my drones are long gone.
Look at the wings of the bees. Are a lot of them deformed?
Jim

[Aroc]

Drones are long gone.  The ones out on the ground are mostly old looking bees.  There are some DWV.  I treated with Apivar a little late.  Hoping they will make it still.  Planning on a single OAV here within the next week or so.

[BeeMaster2]

I'm not a user of chemicals but it seems to me that I saw somewhere that OAV needs warm temps to work properly. Maybe LJ  or Michael Bush will know.
Jim

[Aroc]

I think I heard about 35 deg

[Acebird]

How many bees were in the hive to start and how many are dying?
There is no need to clean the bottom entrance if there is an upper entrance they can use.  Even without an upper entrance the bees can clear a path to get out the issue in my area is more of a lack of ventilation.

[Aroc]

When I did my last inspection about 6 weeks or so ago I had two deeps and a super covered with bees.  I suppose I see about anywhere from 10-20 each day in front of the hive on the ground dead.

[Acebird]

10-20 a day could last three years if the bees lived that long.  I see no reason to panic or treat.

[sc-bee]

I'm not a user of chemicals but it seems to me that I saw somewhere that OAV needs warm temps to work properly. Maybe LJ  or Michael Bush will know.
Jim

Around 37 for at least a couple hours...from the oxavap site

What is the outside temperature range to perform OAV?
You need an outside temperature of 37 (f). There is no top temperature. The temperature of 37 f is only needed at time of treatment and 1-2 hours thereafter.