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some bees survived
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Posted by idabean 5A (My Page) on Thu, Apr 9, 09 at 14:22
To my astonishment, some bees survived this winter. I checked on a warm day last month and found the queen and a good number of workers dead in the upper hive box. But on warm days the last two weeks there are some buzzing around. I can't tell you how glad I am to have overwintered even a few.
Perhaps it was our first try at insulating or that we took no honey last fall because production was very, very low.
What should I do? I have a queen package on order. On a warm still day can I smoke and assess the condition of the rest of the hive?
I need to re-queen, don't I? The hive is not swarming with bees, so I assume I should start again this spring. Will the old and new combine without problems?
Finally, will the honey that overwintered be adequate for the surviving bees now, or should I be feeding sugarwater?
Thanks, everyone
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Follow-Up Postings:
RE: some bees survived
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| >> But on warm days the last two weeks there are some buzzing around<< You need to inspect the hive,..you might have robbing bees cleaning out the hive? Konrad |
RE: some bees survived
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I hadn't thought of that. Good point. Should I at least suit up just to be safe? If they are not from my hive, but are robbers, what next?
Marie |
RE: some bees survived
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| >>Should I at least suit up just to be safe?<< It depends, if they are robber it's going to be harmless.
I just inspected one tonight, [one out of seven] spring check up when no nectar is coming in
bees seem to be docile and I never suit up, hives are mostly smaller in size too.
I usually smoke them a little.
You be the judge. << If they are not from my hive, but are robbers, what next? << Close off the hive, stuff some paper towel or rag into the bottom and top entrance until you install
your new bees. Konrad |
RE: some bees survived
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| Marie do you have wax moths in your zone? In my area you best not leave hives stored without bees or the wax moths will ruin your foundations. |
RE: some bees survived
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the plot thickens.....
The Easter rabbit and I will defend the hive this weekend.
Marie |
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