some bees survived

15 years ago

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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Comments (5)

Konrad___far_north
15 years ago
>> But on warm days the last two weeks there are some buzzing aroundYou need to inspect the hive,..you might have robbing bees cleaning out the hive?

Konrad
Marie Tulin
Original Author
15 years ago
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
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Konrad___far_north
15 years ago
>>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.

Close off the hive, stuff some paper towel or rag into the bottom and top entrance until you install
your new bees.

Konrad
islandmanmitch
15 years ago
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.
Marie Tulin
Original Author
15 years ago
the plot thickens.....
The Easter rabbit and I will defend the hive this weekend.
Marie