Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: jester7891 on June 11, 2008, 01:10:53 pm

Title: New Bee question about the heat
Post by: jester7891 on June 11, 2008, 01:10:53 pm

For the past few days it has been very hot here on the New Jersey/Pennsylvania border.  I have two hives one of which is not doing well (that's another story) and one hive that is doing fantastically well.  For the past few days, the bees in the “good” hive have been coming out of the hive and basically resting on the front wall and landing board (1,000s of bees).  I almost get the impression that they're coming out of the hive to cool off (sort of like sitting out on the front porch).  Is this common or is this a sign of a potential problem?
                             Thanks,   Jester

Title: Re: New Bee question about the heat
Post by: tillie on June 11, 2008, 01:18:13 pm

Search "bearding" or "bee beards" on this forum and you'll find lots of previous posts.  It's very common in the heat.

Linda T

Title: Re: New Bee question about the heat
Post by: Robo on June 11, 2008, 01:45:24 pm

Depending on the situation of your other hive, now might be a good time to switch them.   Would give a boost of bees to the weak hive and some relief on congesting in the strong one.   Of course if your main goal is honey, then you don't want to hinder your strong hive.  If your goal is to have two hives prepared for winter than it is an option.