Dead bees in my lure hive

[Craig1961]

Hi.
I have placed my WBC hive in the quarry I am working at. I put in some pheromone and attracted a few bees. Over the last two weeks the number of 'scouts' has increased. I have placed a contact feeder in the hive (One brood with frames, QE and CB). s there were no visitors today ( due to wind and rain?), I had a look inside. I found 3 dead bees on the mesh floor and 2 in between the brood and lift. I thought bees tried to leave the hive to die. Is this unusual?
I have one old frame.... Now removed... all new frames and foundation. I scorched the woodwork, so fairly happy there are no nasties in there. Thaks in advance,
Craig

 

[VEG]

Not the best way to get a swarm. Dont put any food in the hive for them you will just encourage robbing from bees. The dead bees could be a result of bees fighting for the food.

 

[Craig1961]

Thanks for that. I will take the food out. Anything else I should do?

 

[wightbees]

Put some old manky brood comb in.

 

[MuswellMetro]

agree, very unlikely scouts would go for a hive with other bees robbing out either Honey or feeding from a feeder

i expect scout from that swarm will not return in the near future and it will be a few days even after you remove the feed that the odd robber leaves the scene,

if you use old comb it surprising how long it takes them to extract old OSR honey, Often what appears to be scouts is just a few persistent robbers extracting the last remnants of honey


but don't give up with the bait hive, bees do what they want to do, not what we say they do

 

[Craig1961]

OK. Will put the old comb back in. I won't give up..... Has cost me nothing if it doesn't come off, but eveything to gain if it does.
This is a very helpful forum... Thanks again all.
Craig

 

[Midland Beek]

Yes, don't feed them because that sugar syrup is ending up in someone else's beehives.

Scout bees are really looking for a new home and not food. Old comb is the best thing.

And why not save you some trouble by contacting your local council and ask to be placed on the swarm list. Collecting swarms can sometimes be pretty easy, but you have to be aware of liability issues. Once you 'claim' a swarm you really do not want a dozen bystanders getting stung.

 

[Craig1961]

Thanks MB... Good advice.... Shall I leave the pheramone in there?

 

[Michaelf]

Yes leave the pheromone in there gives you a better chance then.

Good luck!!

 

[Midland Beek]

There's a lot of colonies in the southern half of the UK that have already swarmed by now with the fine April we have had.

 

[Craig1961]

What's going on now?
I have put some old comb in.... Pheramone and taken the food out.
After a (wet) weekend away from the quarry, I looked in the hive today and removed 42 dead bees.... I only saw one visitor today... And not for long. Does evetone still think the losses are due to fighting?
Any further sugestions welcomed.
Craig