Hypost
New Bee
- Joined
- Apr 21, 2018
- Messages
- 5
- Reaction score
- 0
- Location
- Derbyshire
- Hive Type
- National
- Number of Hives
- 2
Hi, I have a bait hive set up outside the window so I've had the opportunity to observe it on and off all day. Plenty of interest with several dozen bees around the entrance or in the air close by. To be honest I've been expecting a swarm to arrive all day based on activity, but I may just be getting ahead of myself.
A close watch of the entrance shows plenty of bees going in and out (it's the smallest hole in a standard entrance block) but a fair amount of what seems to be jostling activity between the bees. It's only baited with two old, empty brood frames so not robbing. I'd categorise the activity as pushing, shoving and headbutting rather than stinging.
Could what I'm seeing be scouts from two competing hives both seeking a new home? or just normal activity from scouts from a single hive? If the former will neither choose the site until the rivals are driven off, or am I misreading totally whats going on.
Any thoughts / experiences please.
Tks
A close watch of the entrance shows plenty of bees going in and out (it's the smallest hole in a standard entrance block) but a fair amount of what seems to be jostling activity between the bees. It's only baited with two old, empty brood frames so not robbing. I'd categorise the activity as pushing, shoving and headbutting rather than stinging.
Could what I'm seeing be scouts from two competing hives both seeking a new home? or just normal activity from scouts from a single hive? If the former will neither choose the site until the rivals are driven off, or am I misreading totally whats going on.
Any thoughts / experiences please.
Tks
