Dead bees

[Gary Walters]

I have a hive that is 3 years old. I treated with Apistan strip last fall. Just checked the hive and there is markedly less bees and a large pile of bees just in front of the hive dead. I split this hive in the spring and got a new queen and moved about 100 miles away. This week that hive also had a large number of dead bees in front of the hive.

Any suggestions to the cause?

[mike haney]

my guess is they were weak because of swarming, mites or poor queen and your seeing the bees killed in a robbing attack. good luck,mike

[Eaglerock]

This week that hive also had a large number of dead bees in front of the hive.

Any suggestions to the cause?

They might be drones

[denny]

Gary,.....is there any honey in the combs?
If not they likely starved. We've seen that here this year. The prolonged rains have prevented some hives making any gains at keeping up with their needs,.....lots of brood emerging with nothing to eat.