Saturday, June 16, 2018

HEAT ALERT

Just like humans our bees are affected by the heat.  This weekend the temperatures will be in the 90's!  The bees work to cool their hives by bringing in water and by fanning at the hive entrance.  The water, when it evaporates, removes heat from the hive.  Therefore a water source, either natural or artificial,  should be available within a few hundred feet of the hive.  Also make sure the entrance reducer is removed.

Another method the bees use to limit heat within the hive is by bearding on the front of the hive.  Bearding usually occurs on hot afternoons and evenings.  By morning the bees will usually all be back in the hive.  Bearding is normal behavior and NOT a sign of imminent swarming.

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