Dead Bees

steeldetailer · April 10, 2007, 02:00:00 PM

I went to check on my 6 hives yesterday and noticed that in front of just one of my hives there was a bunch of dead bees. This hive is only about 4 weeks old. Could someone explain to me whats going on and how to fix it. :? Thanks

Kirk-o · April 10, 2007, 02:29:08 PM

Most of us Beekeepers are not trained Psychics.You should inspect your hive then if you need help you can tell us what you observed .Check them its ok
kirko

steeldetailer · April 10, 2007, 02:34:42 PM

I'm sorry. What should i be checking for?

Jerrymac · April 10, 2007, 02:50:21 PM

He is wondering if you looked into your hive. If so what were your observations. How did you come about these bees. Were they a package and how did you install them. Details. We need details. Perhaps it could be a natural die off of the bees. I never installed packages so I don't know.

MrILoveTheAnts · April 10, 2007, 02:57:17 PM

It is normal for bees after winter to clean house. If they suddenly ran out of food towards the end this would account for a lot of dead bees. If the hive died off then it is unlikely they would die outside, your hive is still alive.

Check on the hive when you can and tell us things like: is it an installed package or did they over winter? Do you see capped brood and or larva? Do they have honey? Are there claw marks at the entrance of the hive, possibly from a skunk or animal attacking them? In other words does this hive look normal?

Kathyp · April 10, 2007, 03:32:47 PM

define "bunch". 20 or 100's?

Brian D. Bray · April 14, 2007, 07:06:24 PM

Bunch = Cluster of any size.

Kathyp · April 14, 2007, 07:12:52 PM

my mistake. big bunch or small bunch? :-D

Michael Bush · April 15, 2007, 11:25:03 AM

OK. So four weeks ago you installed a package? A nuc? A swarm? And there are how many dead bees?

After installing a package all the dead bees that got dumped in will get hauled out. Bees, of course are dying out all the time as they are replaced by younger bees. A few dead bees is normal. Spring cleaning will make more. A package with the dead ones dumped in may make more.