bees getting caught out by the cold weather

[thebhoy]

As the title says.....bit of a shocker to see so many bees returning with pollen etc that have landed in the grass in front of the hives and been caught by the cold weather .

Picked up around 100 into plastic container, brought indoors until warmed up then released back into garden again....about 40 of them were able to fly back to the hives.

They have been so active recently so sad to see so many losses.....now wishing the cold weather would come in hard to keep them indoors for next few months

 

[Tom Bick]

Yes its sad to see they are exhausted on their return hit the ground and chill unable to fly. The really sad bit is we probably lose far more bees away from the hive at this time of year but nice one for helping the ones you did.

 

[Midland Beek]

As the title says.....bit of a shocker to see so many bees returning with pollen etc that have landed in the grass in front of the hives and been caught by the cold weather .

Why not get a big landing ramp then?

 

[thebhoy]

Have done it...added a 2ft board up to entrance after yesterdays shock

 

[enrico]

Be grateful they are still flying, mine have been tucked up for a month all ready except for the odd water and cleansing flight!

 

[Arfermo]

Be grateful they are still flying, mine have been tucked up for a month all ready except for the odd water and cleansing flight!

Strange - I'm not far from you but all mine have some bees flying today. Not many of course. Like others, some are failing to make it back in the entrance on the 12" high stand. Will try a ramp or something where I can. All bar one hive are well stocked as well. The one that ain't so well has Apifonda on in the hope they might get through to spring. Forever an optimist!!!

 

[enrico]

Strange - I'm not far from you but all mine have some bees flying today. Not many of course. Like others, some are failing to make it back in the entrance on the 12" high stand. Will try a ramp or something where I can. All bar one hive are well stocked as well. The one that ain't so well has Apifonda on in the hope they might get through to spring. Forever an optimist!!!

I am probably much higher than you! Or damper! Or have lazier bees!!
E

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

I am probably much higher than you! Or damper! Or have lazier bees!!
E

Or have got a bit more common sense!!
Last year I had Buckfasts and Welsh bees in my apiary. The difference was marked - the native bees 'cwtched in' much earlier than the rest and were a lot more frugal with their stores - they were the ones that came into the spring a lot stronger as well.

 

[Headnavigator]

A sheet of perspex or glass tilted against the front of the hive gives a warmer landing board and recovery area for chilled bees. It also gives some protection against really foul weather, and allows a tentative look outside without committing to full flight on an iffy day.

 

[richardbees]

Even with landing boards I used to be quietly distressed, in a stiff upper lip way, seeing all the dead workers on my zinc roofs - so they're now covered with a square of skip ply and a brick.

 

[Dishmop]

Why not get a big landing ramp then?

even a think piece of carboard works..

 

[Erichalfbee]

Somebody here mentioned putting a coir mat up to the landing board ....shrug
Might help??

 

[BeeJayBee]

Even with landing boards I used to be quietly distressed, in a stiff upper lip way, seeing all the dead workers on my zinc roofs - so they're now covered with a square of skip ply and a brick.

That's a good idea.

I make landing boards/ramps out of the same stuff.

 

[Dishmop]

Somebody here mentioned putting a coir mat up to the landing board ....shrug
Might help??

With obligatory "Welcome Home" message.

 

[BILL.HEARD]

Come on people man-up a bit, just get used to the idea that colonies are going to suffer from daily losses due to either natural causes or quick climatic changes.
Helping the odd bee to return to its hive will make no difference to that colony the following spring.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Somebody here mentioned putting a coir mat up to the landing board ....shrug
Might help??

Something for them to wipe their feet on to keep the cappings snowy white?

 

[Erichalfbee]

Something for them to wipe their feet on to keep the cappings snowy white?

At last!!!!

 

[Newtobees]

I think i will put in some underfloor heating !!!!

 

[Dishmop]

I think i will put in some underfloor heating !!!!

Tea light candles?