> because there is empty comb at the bottom where they can unload the nectar
> as I understand it, a returning nectar forager must offload its nectar to a midage bee for transport to a cell.
I almost wrote that but in the interest of brevity -- I abbreviated the description. The point is the entrance usage may be driven by the conditions inside the hive. If the area behind the auger hole is congested, blocking the flow of bees in and out, it's plausible that they could route through the much more spacious bottom entrance. I would close the auger holes in summer but I am too lazy. I know beekeepers who have an auger hole in every box, I am almost to that point.
PLB
***********************************************
The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html