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Bees absconded or something else?

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Nicholas Watt:
I have just opened one of my beehives to find that there were very few bees inside, like maybe 20-30, I assumed that they had absconded as the hive had fallen over (yet remained in one piece) due to high winds and I just picked it right back up. But as I was looking over the comb, I saw the queen on the one frame, as well as some brood and lots of honey and pollen as well. There were no dead bees at the entrance or on the baseboard. I have no idea where the bees went or why they left the queen. This was a relatively strong hive a couple months ago. Any ideas?

Ben Framed:

--- Quote from: Nicholas Watt on April 11, 2020, 08:11:53 am ---I have just opened one of my beehives to find that there were very few bees inside, like maybe 20-30, I assumed that they had absconded as the hive had fallen over (yet remained in one piece) due to high winds and I just picked it right back up. But as I was looking over the comb, I saw the queen on the one frame, as well as some brood and lots of honey and pollen as well. There were no dead bees at the entrance or on the baseboard. I have no idea where the bees went or why they left the queen. This was a relatively strong hive a couple months ago. Any ideas?

--- End quote ---

Hi Nicholas, With the twist of the hive fallen over, I would not know. Otherwise, I might guess mites. And that would be just a guess. How many hives do you have there? Tell us about Beekeeping in South Africa. Do you have a good steady nectar flow? I am interested in what you might have to tell us.
Thanks,

Phillip Hall

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