Linda's bees

Bee Clean!   

Since we’ve had a few warm days, I decided to check on my bees.  They broke cluster to do a little house cleaning.  As you can see, they threw the gunk (my technical term) out the door.  The bottom boards and the hive stands were covered with debris – a combination of old wax, bee bodies and other hive dirt.  Most people don’t realize that honey bees do not hibernate, they “cluster” around the queen and continually beat their wings.  This motion keeps the hive at a temperature of about 57-85 degrees.  If it warms up outside, they will break cluster and do a little cleaning.  In the picture above, you can see all the spots on the snow.  Reminds me of when I sweep the porch.   

From Linda Prescott at Petal Song Apiaries