The Final Frame!

[Essexgary]

Hi all, a quick question/observation.

my bees are calm when I inspect, just one or two curious ones buzz around... until the last frame. It normally takes about 10/15 minutes for me to get to the last frame (the one nearest the entrance) and, like clockwork, they start to go a bit crazy - not agressive (ie, no stings) just buzzy, annoyed and jumpy. Pitch also goes up.. It happens everytime, at the same point in the inspection, just as I take the last frame out.

I close up quick, and they calm down instantly. Any clues? I just figure they have about 10 minutes worth of patience!

Thanks
Gary

 

[oliver90owner]

Could be that you are removing the frame where the guard bees are resting, and them awaiting your interference?

Ignore that last frame (especially if there is nothing to check (ie beyond the brood nest) and the problem will automatically be solved.

Regards, RAB

 

[user 6228]

Could be that you are removing the frame where the guard bees are resting, and them awaiting your interference?

Ignore that last frame (especially if there is nothing to check (ie beyond the brood nest) and the problem will automatically be solved.

Regards, RAB

Interesting idea! If the OP reversed the order, or worked from the outside towards the centre, one could see if it was the last frame worked or the particular frame. Could it be its the Beek getting more nervousas time goes on thats making the bees fractious? Double blind testing needed I think - I sure some one could get a Phd on this , though how you blindfold the bees I dont know.

 

[drstitson]

either do as rab suggests and not bother with last frame (almost certainly stores only)

OR

start from front of hive - so the frame in question becomes the first you check!!!

 

[Winker]

Could be that you are removing the frame where the guard bees are resting, and them awaiting your interference?

Ignore that last frame (especially if there is nothing to check (ie beyond the brood nest) and the problem will automatically be solved.

Regards, RAB

100% on the money!

 

[user 6228]

dbl post

 

[oliver90owner]

Yes, only an interesting idea - but, nevertheless, a simple solution to the problem.

KISS principle in action once more. No need for a doctorate thesis.

 

[Essexgary]

Yes, only an interesting idea - but, nevertheless, a simple solution to the problem.

KISS principle in action once more. No need for a doctorate thesis.

Thanks all. I agree with the nervous thing.. because now I know what's going to happen, I automatically feel my heart rate increase..! I agree it is probably the guards being disturbed.

BTW last frame (ie first, nearest entrance) had plenty of brood yesterday.

Oh, and doing an inspection blindfolded? great idea, might do it naked as well...

 

[dclewis]

Turn your box cold way and you can see if the guard bee theory is correct or not as you will be splitting them between the frames nearest the entrance. If there are all slightly tetchy then you have your answer, its the guards, but if its still the last frame then its probably you.

 

[dclewis]

Sorry, just noticed ou have beehaus. I don't think you can turn that can you?

 

[m100]

Sorry, just noticed ou have beehaus. I don't think you can turn that can you?

With an angle grinder and duct tape anything is possible

 

[Essexgary]

Sorry, just noticed ou have beehaus. I don't think you can turn that can you?

Hi. No you're right.. One way street with a beehaus. I'm going to try calming myself down as the fix.. It is probably me as they don't sting. its more of a "clear off... We have given you 10 minutes" my mentor was with me a few weeks ago and she commentedhow calm they were (they are a swarm we caught together in May). Guess what. When she was there.. The final frame were quiet.

Will let you know how I get on! Thanks all.

Gary