What ARE they doing? Polishing the entrance? NOT dancing.

[Terri]

The bees have been chewing or polishing or licking the entrance of the old hive! They are at it both day and night.

OK, the wood IS a little rough, could they be trying to smooth it out? This is the swarm living inside the cold frame wall. I placed a hive over the entrance and sealed the alternative exits because I would like them to expand into a proper hive.

I COULD order bees for the hive, of course, but this hive is strong and VERY gentle, so I see no point to ordering bees if I can get THIS hive split or whatever without ripping up the walls!

I am curious as to why they would be workig over the entrance to the old hive both day AND night!

[The Honey House]

Wash Boarding

[hoosierhiver]

sometimes it looks like they are trying to parrallel park.

[Terri]

Washboarding. Yes, that DOES sound like what they are doing!