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Subject: Orange County, NC Beekeepers

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  • From: Tom Wright <twright AT vicksburg.com>
  • To: Konrad Catolos <koncat AT nc.rr.com>
  • Cc: ocba AT lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: Re: [ocba] Strange activity with new hive
  • Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2010 12:13:15 -0400

What you have done is violate "bee space" with frames too far apart.
Remove the comb attached to the lid and space the frames properly.

It does look like you have a swarm. It's too soon for them to requeen. The queen may have flown when installed or absconded later and a few bees went with her.

If we make assumption that this is what happened, just capture the little swarm and merge it back into the weak hive.They wouldn't remain clustered like that if there wasn't a queen present although there is a small chance that she was there and left enough pheromone behind to keep them clustered.

A good way to capture is to use a clean windex sprayer with 50/50 sugar water. Spray until they are soaked, sweep in a small paper sack with a bee brush and dump back in the hive.

Tom
Hi all,

We are new be keepers and are having "challenges" with our two hives. When we
checked our hives at one week, one looked good with new comb development, but we didn't
put in frame were queen cage was. the other hive looked a little empty and we were able
to get the extra frame in.

1)We just checked them today and found the "empty-ish" hive still pretty much
the same. Some cells had been formed, but nothing capped and not much activity. No real
sign of a queen.

2)The other hive has a problem too. The empty slot is a section of comb
attached to the lid. It comes out when you remove the lid.

3) there is this mini "swam" that has been hanging out on a bench post for
almost two weeks now. Don't see a queen, but she may be underneath.




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ANy thoughts? anybody live near 3102 Ridge rd, Durham 27705 and would like to
give us a hand?


thanks,

Konrad

919.389.4301
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