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> From: Eugene Makovec <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Lots of Bees
> Date: Monday, July 07, 1997 12:22 AM
>
> <Its July and the tempertures are in the mid 90s. I have noticed lots of
> <bees on the front of one of my hives but not the others. I have 5 hives.
> <I wondering if adding another super or leaving a space with space
between
> <the hive cover and top super would help in cooling this hive. Is there a
> <chance that hive may swarm?
> <All replies will be helpful.
> <Thank you,
> <Mark
>
> I've noticed the same thing on one of my 3 hives.  This is my busiest
hive --
> From a starter 3-pound package on April 1, they're on their super.  I
first
> thought their habit of clustering on front of hive was from the heat, and
I
> put a stick between 2 supers for ventilation.  But this past weekend
temps
> were in the 70s and when I checked them they were on the front again.
> Any explanation would be appreciated.
>
> Eugene Makovec
> Kirkwood, MO
 
What you have is To many bees with nothing to do combined with high
temperatures.  The house bees can no longer keep the hive cool so they
chase out the foragers that aren't busy and are just taking up space and
restricting airflow.  Here in the Southeast it is common to see large
clusters of bees hanging from the landing board in July and August when the
Spring flow has ended and the beginning of the fall flow.  I have seen them
hang out there even is driving rain for short periods,
 
Frank Humphrey
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