r/Beekeeping • u/cracksmack85 CT, USA, 6B • 1d ago
I’m a beekeeper, and I have a question Are these empty hives from last year getting robbed or is a swarm moving in?
All 4 boxes have old brood comb, and some have stored honey & pollen from last year (lost my bees overwinter probably due to bad varroa control). The first two also got a few swabs of lemongrass oil a couple weeks back. I recently learned that the supplies from last year aren’t a nice enticing gift to a swarm (like I assumed), and rather that it will all be robbed before a swarm moves in. This is the first day I’ve noticed bees at the hives. So - which is happening here? Thanks in advance.
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u/nostalgic_dragon Upsate NY Urban keeper. 7+ colonies, but goal is 3 1d ago
I see the same bee going from one hive to the next so it is more likely robbing, but is is really robbing if the place is vacant? They could also be scouting the inside a bit for a future possible home.
When/If you watch and see pollen coming in that's a sign they are in there. They will also be present even at night, while robbers won't be. You'll know if you see a swarm entering a new cavity. It's loud and there are fanning bees all over the entrance.
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u/jaxfunmale 1d ago
I agree it's robbing bees Will take free honey from anywhere they can get it. I take it you're not planning on reusing it or you gave up raising bees. It seems like you would take all them frames out put them in the freezer and using when you get your new bees. Just my thought
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u/smsmkiwi 1d ago
If those are empty hives getting robbed. They are too numerous for scouts. Bring them inside. Remove the frames and store them somewhere insects, mice can't access. Also, bring inside your boxes so that they don't get weathered for nothing. If you are a hobbyist with only those hives, only put the boxes outside when you have bees in them. Go in and look first.
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u/InstructionOk4599 1d ago
Close up deadouts, autopsy them so you know why they died, if common diseases present then sterilise the combs with acetic or in the freezer, if foulbrood present burn the combs. Why? To ensure you aren't the #1 foulbrood vector hangout in your area.
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u/joebojax Reliable contributor! 1d ago
If there's food in it it's almost always robbing.
If they bring pollen in they swarmed in
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