Bees under OMF

[Swift Nick]

I have just been looking at my hives, all three have bees under the OMF, maybe 200-300 on the bigger colony and 100 or so on the smaller colonies, they don't appear to be fanning. I am not concerned I guess it is some kind of "normal" bee behaviour, I just wondered if any one new what they are doing.
I have very small enterances because of wasps, so maybe they are fanning through the floor?
It was just after a rain shower, so maybe rather than queuing at the small opening they are taking shelter?
If anybody knows the probable reason, I would love to know.
Thanks Nick

 

[Codford]

Similar situation here, not an issue until you insert the inspection board, then they become trapped between the board and OMF - their bodies fall out when the board is removed. Interestingly, this only occurs on one of the two hives.

 

[Swift Nick]

Codford,
I am thinking some of the bees may be heavy with pollen or nectar and go under the landing board or maybe the wind blows them down & they end up under. Then they smell the hive through the OMF & just stay there trying or thinking they are in. It's all a guess, but I have cut some 5" strips of ply to fit across the legs behind & below the landing board, so now they have to drop a long way to go under.
Just have to wait now & see what happens.
Nick

 

[Millet]

Screw a board across the front of your hive stand to stop them under shooting the entrance, that is what i have in all my stands.

 

[Codford]

Thanks Nick & Millet - sounds like a plan; will construct something along those lines.