margob99
House Bee
- Joined
- Nov 15, 2009
- Messages
- 400
- Reaction score
- 1
- Location
- Amersham
- Hive Type
- National
- Number of Hives
- 2
So I started this spring with one hive; which swarmed - now I have 2. Hive no 2 is progressing well; queen laying, bees very even-tempered.
But Hive no 1 is just going from bad to worse. Cast came 3 days after the swarm (luckily caught and found a home for the cast). On last inspection 8 days ago, Hive no 1 appeared queenless, with one swarm cell looking like it had been torn open and one small cup Q cell. I couldn't get in to see what was in there - mostly because the bees were insanely feisty.
Checked the hive again yesterday, and ye gods and little fishes, those bees were grumpy! Ok, the weather was windy with fast-moving clouds. I just couldn't complete the inspection to see if I now have a laying queen.
The bees were stinging outrageously, and I had "followers" attending me - even hours later. They literally took over the garden.
What on earth does one do in a situation like this?!
But Hive no 1 is just going from bad to worse. Cast came 3 days after the swarm (luckily caught and found a home for the cast). On last inspection 8 days ago, Hive no 1 appeared queenless, with one swarm cell looking like it had been torn open and one small cup Q cell. I couldn't get in to see what was in there - mostly because the bees were insanely feisty.
Checked the hive again yesterday, and ye gods and little fishes, those bees were grumpy! Ok, the weather was windy with fast-moving clouds. I just couldn't complete the inspection to see if I now have a laying queen.
The bees were stinging outrageously, and I had "followers" attending me - even hours later. They literally took over the garden.
What on earth does one do in a situation like this?!