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  • From: Randall Austin <ra41717 AT gmail.com>
  • To: Julie Daniels <jld921 AT gmail.com>, ocba AT lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: Re: [ocba] Fwd: hanging outside the hive??
  • Date: Fri, 22 Aug 2014 09:40:08 -0400

Julie,

Great picture -- this is a lot better than just a description.

This isn't "normal" but I've seen this somewhat odd-looking behavior in other people's hives. Before offering an opinion, can you do one more diagnostic check: Take your handy bee brush, brush the entire clump onto a flat surface (e.g. a paper plate), and carefully pick through the bees. Is there a queen in the clump? Report back and I'll offer a more informed opinion on what's going on.

I can say that this isn't preparation for swarming or waiting for a returning queen on her mating flight. I can also say that it isn't anything to worry about -- don't worry about any of this stuff! Beekeeping is supposed to be a tranquil pastime that relieves stress (that's a key reason Langstroth kept bees); if it isn't doing that for someone, why do it?

Randall Austin

On 8/22/2014 8:38 AM, Julie Daniels wrote:
New beekeeper question: Any advice about what this picture indicates?  Bees collecting outside and under the hive and making a lot of noise.  

History of this troubled hive:

- April:  new hive from Bailey's...seemed slow to take off, but finally did  

- Mid June:  seemingly strong, lots of brood, lots of honey

- Mid July:  splotches that resemble nosema and lots of crawling bees

- Early August:  Don generously came out and took samples, twice.  State lab came back negative for nosema and trachea mites - twice, 2 weeks apart.  
  - poor laying pattern, but a few scattered larvae

- Mid-August:  
   - no more crawling bees.  splotches on hive not getting worse that I can tell.  Population seems smaller.
  - open queen cell - not sure if hatched or never occupied
  - still lots of honey from syrup. 

- Last week:  no new eggs or larvae.  very sparse and scattered capped brood.  I wonder if they're left over with arrested development, but not sure.  No sign of queen.

- Today:  this picture.  Does this indicate preparing to swarm, waiting for new queen to return from mating, some other thing I should worry about?  There are very few bees flying in and out.

I'm really confused by this hive and open to any advice about what to consider.  Other hive seems okay (does have splotches, but two hives ar only a few feet apart, so could be from 1st hive).  


Thoughts, interest in taking a look to solve puzzles, advice, etc.  - all welcome!

Julie Daniels
5715 Brisbane
Chapel Hill
(919)619-3602






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