Rapid hive growth — bees suddenly more defensive?

Beekeeping - Basics
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Hi everyone,

We’ve had our Flow Hive for almost 12 months now (acquired very late last spring) — suburban Adelaide.

In the months leading up to winter, the colony expanded slowly and remained very calm. My wife and I could sit out the back near the hive and they barely noticed us, aside from the odd bee flying past on its way home. They wintered well.

Since the start of spring, though, things have changed quickly. The colony has exploded in size — we’ve added a second brood box, and now they’ve started showing real interest in the Flow Super (exciting to see!).

However, their temperament has definitely shifted. Activity at the hive entrance is far more active, and the bees have become much more defensive — by that I mean they’ll start chasing if I walk nearby.

My question is:

Is this behaviour typical for a colony that’s growing fast and responding to spring warmth and abundant nectar/pollen? Will they likely calm down again as the season progresses?

I don’t think they’re preparing to swarm — with two brood boxes and a super, there should be plenty of room.

Would love to hear others’ thoughts or similar experiences.

Cheers,

Brett

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Beekeeping! Never a dull moment.

If it appears to be a long term situation, I think you’re seeing your colony’s true personality. When they’re small in number, they’ll often seem calm even during disruptive inspections. Their focus is on building comb and resources to expand.

With greater numbers, come many more guards to protect the valuable resources (brood and food). The genetics have always been there, but now their true temperament shines through. Requeening with known gentle, productive stock will generally resolve it, once the existing population is mostly replaced with the new queen’s daughters.

If it’s only a recent phenomena, it could be a response to the current floral source. Some nectar such as citrus make for short tempered bees.

Mike

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Thanks. Hoping it is perhaps nectar source given I’m hesitant to requeen if I don’t have to.

May upload some pics later too in reply to this post.