Heap of dead bees by landing board

[tom8400]

Hi all

Just noticed when I cleared some nettles from front of two hives, in front of one there is a heap of dead bees like a bucket full they have probably been collecting for a while however I've never noticed so many before. Any ideas why?

The one conclusion I have is queen went to swarm but may have been weak and fell into the nettles, then they all clustered there during the bad weather several days ago?

Other option is originally there were two hives here I split them both, one was a bright colour the other white and green, (standing behind) I split the one on the right (bright) and moved it too the right I replaced with a new hive however this one was green and white so the same as the one originally to the left of the bright hive. I split the original one on the left and moved the split seven days later. So my other theory is have they got confused and mixed up could this happen?

My plan is to move them all 3 miles away and spread them out and see what happens before moving them back to the new desired site that I've created specially

Any ideas greatly appreciated

 

[Murox]

A picture of the dead, if you have not moved them, might be useful. Your split could possibly have caused fighting but doubtful with so many dead. A disease is more likely, but impossible to say/suggest what without seeing.

Are the dead mouldy? in one pile? spread out?
In placing hives its better that they are not in a straight line, have distinctive markings and are as far apart as possible. I am sure others will chip in with ideas.

 

[Cuckmere couple]

or have you recently removed mouse guards or widened entrance/adjusted a landing board etc so they can bring out dead all at once that has been obstructed?

 

[tom8400]

I'll try and get picture later trouble is they're in a lot of nettles and grass now.

They didn't seem mouldy all in a huge heap, it's like as if 1/2 of hive died and they just pushed them off the end of the landing board.

So the fact both hives look the same and then the one that was distinguishable was moved slightly and replaced too look the same may have had something to do with it.

Nope this is in front of a fresh hive containing queen and flying bees effectively, which I see the queen during inspection yesterday so my swarm theory is out the window.

 

[enrico]

Omf floor, check the mesh. They underfly the entrance. They think they are in the hive. Get cold at night and die. Block off the gap between the landing board and the ground.
E

 

[Gilberdyke John]

Omf floor, check the mesh. They underfly the entrance. They think they are in the hive. Get cold at night and die. Block off the gap between the landing board and the ground.
E

It's a good idea to cut a piece of wood or similar to fit between the legs at the front of a polynuc and glue it in place. Helps to stop underflying

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

As the colony gets bigger then the amount of overnight mortalities increases, as they get busier less time for mortuary duties so the undertaker bees just dump them outside the entrance, I always see it with my busier colonies