Bees hanging around entrance reducer

[johnwm73]

I have two hives. Both are started from 5 frame nucs. One I added a second hive body a week ago. And removed the reducer a few days later. The second is 7 frames full and I am about to add the second hive body. But they are hanging around the entrance and on the hive above the entrance. I would guess they take an area of 3 inches by 4 inches square on the hive. I didn't take a count they kept moving.haha It is cloudy today and 66 today. Will it be alright to remove the reducer and put it back on before winter? I just don't want any robbing from the hive next to it.

[Kathyp]

you can remove it or just flip it over to the larger opening, if your reducer has one.  i usually just flip mine over because if i remove them, i lose them  :-)

[johnwm73]

It is on the 4" opening already. I am not worried much about the temperature because I am going into summer and the nights are staying around 55 or above.

[steveouk]

hi john, I've left all mine on the larger opening for the moment, i noticed the clustering only in the evenings. i was thinking of taking mine off all together in about 2 weeks