On a couple of my hives the bees are covering the front of a super and moving back and forth. Not a lot of bees maybe 50 or so. They just seem to be moving back and forth in a vertical direction each bee moving about a half an inch back and forth. What does this behavior mean?
It's called washboarding. No scientific reasoning on why they do this, but it is mesmerizing to see them do this rhythmic dance. Some folks see it as a sign of a happy hive.
I'm having a bit of a similar situation, only insofar as activity on the front apron. After days of 70+ weather, today it has rained all day and is in the upper 60's. It has quit raining, but they are bunched on the apron--piled about 3 inches high. I also see a number of dead bees and even some dead larva. I have 3 medium hive bodies and a week ago put on a queen excluder and a medium super. They have been filling out the frames very well. I have been gone a week and don't want to open with the coolness. It should be 80 and dry tomorrow. Should I just wait and check things out then?
I too encountered this the first time this year. Mesmerizing and Enjoyable.
However, it only occurred on my Hives that had Full Sun all day -- Once I put Screened Bottom Boards and a Screened Inner Cover on, most of it disappeared. There were a few stragglers that kept at it though.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Beesource Beekeeping Forums
1.8M posts
54.8K members
Since 1999
A forum community dedicated to beekeeping, bee owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about breeding, honey production, health, behavior, hives, housing, adopting, care, classifieds, and more!