After checking last week, returned to check three colonies, that I could not see any bees through clear crown boards last week. Took down, three inspection boards to put in, flash light, new Stethoscope to listen to bees.
on approaching one of the suspect hives with my new Stethoscope, I was greeted immediately by the girls, by 50 bees pouring out of the entrance, and two or three "buzzed me!", re-treated!
No need for Stethoscope! continued to check reaming hives with Stethoscope, not conclusive, and couldn't hear anything, maybe I'm deaf!
after the 50 bees went in, checked their hive, couldn't hear any bees in that!
I decided, there was no point removing the straps, roofs and insulation to check with flash light at this point, saw a few bees (1-3) coming and going from the other two suspect colonies.
So I was just going to insert inspection boards, only to find, that these inspection boards, were too large for Thornes Budget floors, I'd brought the wrong ones down from the Bee shed! (damn!).
So, what have I learned, like I tell my clients, and maybe I should take a page out of my own book, about IT issues, with the Cloud Stuff we do, BE PATIENT!
I need to go back to get the inspection boards in to count varroa drop... in the morning this week.. (and may get my bee suit on and gloves!)
instead of fleece jacket, hat and gloves!