Any ideas why my bees are so angry?

[Craig1961]

Hi
Thanks for your help ref the treatment. I managed to put it in this evening.
whilst I am happy I have a hive crammed with bees, they used to be quite placid, but were very angry with me again tonight. Attacking me all over. I am a little worried the hive could have gone queenless... Maybe it's the time of year? Any ideas welcomed.

Craig.

 

[VEG]

Why did you feel the need to go back into the hive after putting in the apiguard? or have I misunderstood?

 

[Craig1961]

Tried to put in last night.. Took about a dozen stings on my hand... Didnt go ahead. Went in tonight to put in the treatment.

 

[bluesman]

angry bees

HI since my were delivered 4 mths ago theyve been naughty-but when i went to treat them the other evening they were nuts -so aggressive worse than ever theyd been and i hadnt treated them yet! and i too wondered why -ive put it down to drop in temp -bluesman

 

[Swarm]

I think he put the treatment in tonight and bees not impressed.

It will be a combination of time of year (stores to protect)
A full hive ... all the girls home, not much space, etc.
Bad weather.
Too soon after last inspection (maybe)

Most important .... Don't fret, they'll be fine

Edit:
Just saw reply. Cross out maybe and add definitely lol

 

[VEG]

 

[Andre cardona]

have you woshed your suit ?

 

[Tom Bick]

Craig first night you went to treat in the evening and then tonight you did it as you say tonight and the bees not impressed. Both times seem a bit late in the day for this time of year.

The bees are very tuned into falling temperatures and shortening days so any inspections or manipulations are best carried out at an earlier time of day if possible.

 

[isc26]

Was it thunder/lightning, even if not when you were inspecting, bees often get moody in these conditions.

 

[user 6228]

my bees had a complete reversal temperament in just one day... but trying to do a inspection just as the mad half hours starts, the day after going to look at supers.. then attempt again the following morning... I put my bees change in temperament done to their beeks not knowing their stuff!

 

[milkermel]

I would go with the late evening not helping, my girls have been quiet but after puttin on treatments two days ago, they have gone potty, am making sure I leave them be.

Going into the hive during day will make it easier as less bees should be home, however appreciate that with most peoples shifts this can be difficult. . . one up side to milking cows!

 

[BeeNice]

Hi, my bees have been like that for the past few weeks, they are protecting there hard earned stores. Same as last year, most of the time you can get close to the hives, not at this time of year. Wait for the warmest part of the day otherwise you chill the brood (whats left of them) and hive. It takes longer to reheat the hive for the bees in the evening, using up energy and supplies that the bees need for the winter. Choose you inspection times with care and leave for a day or so if necessary, there is still a chance for good weather during September.
regards
Steven

 

[Mint Bee]

I had been trying to feed and treat mine after work(6 ish). Even though its still bright, the temperature is dropping and they are mostly at home. The normally placid bees are extremely grumpy. I've now resorted to weekend only inspections when I can select better conditions and have found that whilst they are still not as well behaved as earlier in the year, there are less viel attackers and followered than late afternoon.

 

[justme]

Evenings are much cooler now so agree with that. Just wondering if they hare short of stores also? That wouldn't help. NOT suggesting you go in again and check so quickly after last inspections/disturbances but if not sure you could heft the hive.

 

[greatbritishhoney]

Just wondering if they hare short of stores also?

Being a Powys resident like the OP, I would say thee is a chance they could be short of stores. It's been cold and wet here for the last couple of weeks - they could be getting anxious about the dwindling stores.
Have you got a feeder on?

 

[drstitson]

wash the suit.

 

[Swarm]

It pays to keep your suit clean (free from sting pheromone) but this time of year your bees will be more defensive. Couple that with poor weather and the fact you were in there the day before, they are going to get riled.

Just a thought, reading this forum I get the impression people are in and out of their hives more than is necessary.

 

[oliver90owner]

Some good suggestions any one, or more, of which might be right. One missed though - has the queen been superceded recently?

 

[jmcg]

My lot were a bit angry but the apiguard has settled them down,anybody else find this?

 

[richardbees]

jmcg - No, mine don't like it and spend half their time outside on cigarette breaks!

The OP is pushing it by opening in the evening at this time of year (and should definitely wash his bee suit)