Bees on out side of my hive

[ben-izzil]

when its raining or at night some of my bees hang out on the bottom box of my hive in a big group and im prity shure it started happenig when i put my 2ed box on.....

any idears why???

[guatebee]

It would be nice to know where your bees are located... weather / temperature in your area?
Bees hanging out of the hive is called bearding. It usually occurs when inside hive temperature is too high or bees are too crowded. It could also help reduce inside moisture.
Have you tried screen bottom boards and added top ventilation?

[jim b]

Where are you? Is it hot? -j
-and by the way, welcome. This is a great site, especially for us newbees.-j

[ February 07, 2006, 10:59 PM: Message edited by: jim b ]

[ben-izzil]

i live in new zealand and its summer here so it gets quite hot about 20 degree C at night ... but they still do it when its colder than that....

this is also my first hive and im only 15 so i have a bit to learn

[Dave W]

ben-izzil . . .

What you are seeing is called "Bearding" or "Loafing"

May indicate:
a) Ventilation problem – Heat and humidity inside hive may be too high to permit entire population to perch inside.

b) Too hot to forage - Temperatures in the nineties inhibit foraging and bee stay home. Provide temporary or permanent shade and increase hive ventilation.

c) Dearth of nectar - Ensure bees have food reserves on hand. If not, feed, but be careful not to set off robbing.

d) Crowding – Due to inadequate storage space, add honey supers.

[ben-izzil]

it only happens wen the bees aint working .....

so i think it might be ventalation ...... how to i fix this??

[BerkeyDavid]

Ben are you on the North Island?

Do you have an inner cover?

Does the inner cover have a hole in it?

Try propping up the outer cover. Put some 4 mm sticks on each corner of the top box and then stick the inner cover on top of the sticks.

ALso do you have a screened bottom board? Might help if you do.

[Dave W]

Provide additional ventilation using 1 or more of the following;
a) Offset or raise top cover.
b) Use screen cover in place of inner cover. Remove or block up telescoping cover to provide full-hive ventilation in extreme heat.
c) Stagger supers.
d) If a good honeyflow is on, raise front of hive at bottom board w/ small blocks, hive can be raised in this manner at all 4 corners.
e) Open screened bottom board.
f) Add Slatted Rack. Provides additional clustering space (under rack), making it easier for bees to ventilate hive and reduce moisture in ripening honey.

My FIRST choice would be "e" along w/ "b". It has worked every time Ive tried it. smile.gif