sluggish clumps of bees

[deb]

I'm a new beekeeper with a small colony from a nuc collected in mid July. I've noticed small clumps of very sluggish bees on the ground around the hive. Is this normal for the time of year? Has anyone seen this before?

 

[Heather]

Sure they are not sulking drone?

 

[Dishmop]

Cold?


or cold hungry and unwanted, with a long walk ahead of them...

 

[snoop]

I'm a new beekeeper with a small colony from a nuc collected in mid July. I've noticed small clumps of very sluggish bees on the ground around the hive. Is this normal for the time of year? Has anyone seen this before?

I have seen it when they got caught in a pesticide spray from nearby farmers

 

[gable-endy]

As new beekeeper you do not want to loose your first and only hive over winter so. If you can ask a friendly beekeeper to drop by and have a look. or your local bee inspector if he is available. they will have a look and advise.
This time of year it will normally be just Drones being removed.

 

[aseeryl]

Feed them! They will likely need boosting. Mine are going like trains after some earlier despodency.