Cluster of bees around entrance

[BernardBlack]

Since this last week or so a cluster of 30-40 bees around hive entrance any time I observe. Most just seem to be moseying around entrance while the odd bee comes and goes. Haven't noticed this before.

Just wondered if that's a trait connected with something more sinister?

 

[MartinL]

Doubt they'd be too hot where you are?

Any other colonies nearby?

 

[BernardBlack]

Doubt they'd be too hot where you are?

Any other colonies nearby?

I wouldn't have thought too hot. The north of Ireland is not exactly on the Med

None that I know of within a mile radius.

 

[Bakerbee]

Im in south of uk. Todays temp was cloudy and about 10c. Mine were clustered outside and as i watched for a bit i noticed a wasp or two being booted off by the bees. Theyve got a guard up so easily managed to fend them off but it did bring quite a few out to defend. I hadnt noticed the wasp at first especially as the bees were defending in a pretty chilled manner. Could yours be acting defensive??

 

[user 6228]

Lots of ivy around?

 

[Millet]

Lots of ivy around?

I thought you where going to say too hot...

 

[BernardBlack]

Lots of ivy around?

There would be, yes.

 

[Teemore]

Your bees are working the ivy at present and there will probably be a fair number of young bees orientating on the hive also. Combined, it is to be expected that there will be a bit of a cluster around the entrance. There are still wasps around so it is entirely possible that the cluster of bees represents a welcoming committee for any inquisitive wasps.

 

[user 6228]

There would be, yes.

Same here... and we get the same outside congregation when ivy is yielding. in our case its not related to outside temperature or insulation or space.

 

[BernardBlack]

Ah right, probably just the ivy flow then.

Must keep an eye out for any wasps though. Entrance block is on anyway, so that might lessen chances of them entering.

 

[Jafer2]

Tonnes of ivy around in west mids. Its stinks everywhere i go i can smell it. My bees are loving it though.