[jimbobee]

Hi,

I have a hive that I overwintered from last year, came through very strong, then swarmed. That hive now seems to have a lot of drones flying in and out. I counted over 20 in less than 2 minutes. Does that suggest I have too many and should do something about it? I plan on doing a full inspection this Friday.

Thanks,
Jim

 

[Michael Bush]

25% drones (that is one in four) during swarm season or in a hive with no queen or a virgin queen is normal. If you have nothing but drone brood in the hive, you have problems. You currently have a hive that just swarmed and has a virgin queen. Those hives always have a lot more drones.