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BUCKS COUNTY BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION

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Unusual activity?

  • July 06, 2023 7:47 AM
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    Message # 13224157
    Rick

    We have two hives, one is seemingly thriving while the other has struggled, but requeened last month.  One of the hives has recently demonstrated a big increase in activity at the entrance to the hive.  The entrance is often completely covered in bees and at times hundreds flying about.  Is this a sign of stress on the bees? (Or perhaps on the novice beekeepers?) We added a box yesterday but there seemed to be frame available. 

    1 file
  • July 06, 2023 10:08 AM
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    Reply # 13224234 on 13224157
    Ignatius

    If they are just hovering out front and focused on the lower entrance, they may just be doing orientation flights. I’ve had this activity in the past, and no cause for concern. If the bees are inspecting all crevices of the hive and finding different ways to get in, then you might have some robbing going on. In that case you might want to think about using an entrance reducer. Keep an eye on the resources in the hive. Make sure that they have food. 
  • July 06, 2023 6:54 PM
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    Reply # 13224569 on 13224157
    Rick

    Thank you.  We are not seeing anything other than incredibly busy incoming and outgoing flights around the entrance.  And they are consuming surprising amounts of food.  Appreciate your quick reply!
  • July 07, 2023 2:07 PM
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    Reply # 13224965 on 13224157
    Anonymous

    That is A LOT of entrance activity.

    I would pay close attention to what's going. Does there seem to be any 'fighting' among the bees at the entrance?

    Is there enough ventilation in the hive? Is there a top entrance as well? That is a very crowded entrance. This time of year it's normal to see a lot of coming and going but that looks to be too much congestion. You want to rule out robbing and then make sure the bees have plenty of room to come and go and plenty of ventilation to keep the hive cool.
  • July 08, 2023 10:03 PM
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    Reply # 13225429 on 13224157
    Kurt (Administrator)

    Btw:    How could I not comment on the nice paint job!   Hive bodies look GREAT! 
    /Kurt
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