Hi all,
As a newbie and a novice, I know nothing or at least not as much as I thought,
I have a flowhive 2+ that has had a full 9 frames of bees + I empty frame to fill the brood box. I watch them constantly and am amazed by them, plenty of pollen and some heavy landing on the entrance board and assume they are full of nectar.
The weather here has been dismal for weeks and I’m reluctant to open the hive to check on them and see if they are using the empty frame and check for pests.
This brings me to what I’m realy worried about, swarming, as I don’t want them overcrowded, and I have noticed when there is a bit of sunshine there seems to be hundreds of bees flying around the hive.
Is this normal behaviour or should I be worried.
I have avoided putting the super on as well due to weather and winter is coming., Sorry for the GOT’s saying.
Thanks in advance Mick
Hi Mick, It’s pretty normal behaviour. Our SEQ weather has been awful for the bees recently but when there is some sunshine, they’ll be out orienting, which has lots of bees buzzing around in circles but fairly close to the hive. Swarming in May in SEQ is rare although not unheard of. If they do swarm the bees will be pouring out and climbing up the front of the hive and filling the air for some distance.
Pick a nice morning when the temp is over 21 C and take a look in. Keep the time short but get an idea of how they are progressing. Only put the Flow super on if they look like they’re overcrowded.
Cheers from Carina.
Hi Clint,
Thanks for the info, boy do I have a lot to learn.
That has put my mind at ease and I’ll defiantly take your advice on the next good day, whenever that will be.
In regards to putting the super on I’ll see where they are up to in the hive when I have a look.
Cheers
Mick