Abnormal Response to Trap?

[Nichols747]

So I've done a bunch of trap outs, using the cone method, all with reliable success.

I set a trap today and the bees are reacting abnormally - they've been clustered all over the box and the cone, even a wad of them at the tip of the cone (gotta go check it tonight to make sure it's not plugged). There's a little coming and going at the entrance, but I've always seen them take to the trap box within an hour or so.

Possibilities - it's a lot hotter today than when I've set previous traps. I used a frame of open brood and eggs with heavy honey and smaller brood patch because we are in the dearth.


Any thoughts?

[Nichols747]

Just went over and checked them at sunset, and the cone is full of bees! The end is open, and they aren't filling the last couple inches - jabbed a Popsicle stick in there to make sure.

I suspect that they are just bearding as they would any other hot evening, but it's weird! Thoughts?

[RayMarler]

Maybe check the cone, there may be a problem with it?

[Mr.Beeman]

I had that happen once this year. It took two days for the bees to accept their new home. Once they did however, they moved in quickly.
The plugged cone sounds like a mass exit and got plugged with bees.
Pics would help.