Hot Hive in Michigan

Started by BlueBee, January 28, 2012, 01:17:23 PM

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BlueBee

I have a hive that is literally hot in the middle of winter.  It's running 80F+/27C+ inside and is packed with very active bees.  Problem is I'm in Michigan and it is a LONG time before spring gets here.  What should I do with such an active warm hive in January?  There's steam coming out of this nuc it is so warm!  (OK, actually condensing water vapor, but it looks like steam).

I have a feeling this story is not going to end well, but I thought I would query you all for ideas.





buzzbee

What were the outdoor temps? Perhaps they broke cluster to move onto other stores. Opening the lid is enough to stir perhaps unwanted activity.
Are there external sources like a skunk or mouse in the hive agitating them?
I think Finski had noted before that disturbing the hive can lead to a 24 or 48 hour of raised temps due to agitation and alarm.
30 degress outside with a large cluster inside amounts to a pretty cozy day. Were they flying at all with cleansing flights? I have bees flying today and very active.

yockey5

Methinks you will be feeding these girls for a while! :)