[shaneTX]

This year i have caught 5 different swarms this spring. 2 of them have this trait to seal up the hive entrance to only allow a single bee in and out.

I assume this is a trait of wild bees.. Anyone see this?

Yes -- That is a rubber band that was in the swarm trap that the bees only got half way out.. bees are cool.

 

[Hops Brewster]

That's cool. I've seen bees seal up entrances before winter may times, but I've seen only 1 colony seal up this time of year, and that was a package that kept getting harassed by a larger colony nearby.

Is that your swarm trap or the new box that you moved them to?

 

[Akademee]

That is really interesting! I have seen many bees that make their home in buildings use entrances that only 1 or 2 bees can fit though at once.

 

[msl]

the name Propolis is of Greek origin
pro(in defense of) polis (city)

 

[shaneTX]

That’s the swarm trap I had sitting out on my front porch. I was going to go put it up and was procrastinating a few days. It had a couple empty frames with elastic bands i didn’t use for a cutout.

Bee swarm moved in one afternoon right on my front porch.