Bait Box... Tyre kickers or seriously interested punters?

[Spikedog]

Bait Hive on shed roof; last week attracted some interest. I use it as a warning system of bees becoming restless in the apiary. However, since then, there has been about 30 or so bees at the entrance, engaged in cleaning and clearing out a Lemon Grass paper strip. Not much flying or other activity, simply hanging about. Question: if these are not genuine ‘scouts’ (tyre kickers) will they put off serious house hunters?

 

[Do224]

Bait Hive on shed roof; last week attracted some interest. I use it as a warning system of bees becoming restless in the apiary. However, since then, there has been about 30 or so bees at the entrance, engaged in cleaning and clearing out a Lemon Grass paper strip. Not much flying or other activity, simply hanging about. Question: if these are not genuine ‘scouts’ (tyre kickers) will they put off serious house hunters?

Normally scouts are in and out and constantly flying and landing. Occasionally, if a swarm arrives at the bait hive but then changes their mind and moves on then there are stragglers left behind. They tend to behave the way you’re describing, just crawling lethargically around the entrance. They usually disappear over about a week. I sometimes wonder if they would deter other ‘serious’ scouts.

I’ve no idea if this could be what has happened in your situation though…

 

[Spikedog]

Many thanks Do224... Much as I thought. The context suggest stragglers (scouts) left behind from swarming sisters... hopefully will vanish and not deter other interested parties. Hope you have a good season.