Working Bees on Cloudy Days

[bwallace23350]

I need to do a quick check and break down the dead hive next to my hive. It is going to be cloudy all day today but warm No rain until tonight. So is it ok to do a quick check in the rain or will they just be mad and attack?

[BeeMaster2]

Be sure to use full jacket protection, smoke your hands real well. I would only work on the suspected dead hive.
My bee inspector found out the hard way that bees do not like to be inspected in cloudy/overcast drippy days. I even asked him if he was sure he wanted to inspect them in that kind of weather. They hit him so bad, even with full jacket protection that he went and got his gloves and then he came back and took a sample of bees to test for Africian Bees. They tested OK it was just the weather. Only one hive was that aggressive out of the 4 he tested.
Jim

[bwallace23350]

I might just wait. Looking at the weather I might have to wait a week  but that is no big deal.

[BeeMaster2]

If they are dead, with non freezing weather, I would not wait. Tap on the box and listen closely for the buzz. If you do not hear then lift the lid and slowly work your way in. If they are alive and small, remove the excess space and add some insulation above the bees. Don't disturb the brood area.
Jim

[bwallace23350]

Thanks. I see no activity from them at all. The neighboring hive though is booming with activity though. I have missed my chance to work them today. Can't get off work to do it so I will have to wait for the next available day. It is supposed to be 62 and sunny on Friday. Maybe I can work them then.

[GSF]

I'd get in it as quick as possible. If they're dead it ain't gonna matter what the temperature is. Wax moths and SHB may destroy a work of art.

[bwallace23350]

Friday it is then

[lazy shooter]

I try to work my bees from noon until about 3:30 p.m.  They are easier to work on warm sunny days.  They don't like windy, cold or damp or any combination of the later or especially all three.  Anytime you work bees use your smoker and move slow.  If they rev up their engines, slow down and use more smoke.

I am in shallow West Texas, and I can always find a nice day.

[Michael Bush]

You do what you have to.  When i raise queens I have to do what is on the schedule even if it's raining.  But if I don't have to, I don't open them when it's cloudy... no point if I can wait.

[GSF]

Hey bw, How did your dead out look?

[bwallace23350]

It looked normal enough. Lots of dead bees found, no wax mouths or slime of any sort. I figure I can reuse it. I will try to post picture of the comb tomorrow.