Bob,
     Help me with this. This is the first time I've heard of this tactic. If
it works... why?

It works most of the time. If robbing has been going on awhile the method
will not be as effective. The closer the hives are to each other the better
the tactic works. I first heard of the method over 40 years ago from my
mentor.

Dick asks:
Why?

Not sure but figure when their own hive is open the robbers attitude
changes. Bees are very aware when their hive is open.

My 90 plus year old former mentor  used to say when you look in a hive and
the bees are all looking back at you they are about to swarm.

ALL the bees looking up at you is a unusual sight but every once in awhile I
see the sight  because I am looking.

When you open the hive and all the bees stingers are in the air caution is
advised.

 My mentor was almost  blind but he could glean quite a bit of information
about a hive by the sounds they made. I doubt I will ever be on his level
but I can tell a queenless hive most of the time by sound.

Bob

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