How long does a beehive last?

Worker bees who are born in the spring and summer live about 6 to 8 weeks, whereas worker bees born in the fall live 4 to 6 months.

What are the signs of a Queenless hive?

Bees who are queenless are often cranky and listless. They may make a high pitched whine when you open the hive. The population will also start to fall. First you will see less nurse bees, but eventually foragers will decrease in number as well.

How do you tell if a hive has swarmed?

If at any time you don’t see eggs or very young larva in the hive then give it a frame of young open brood and eggs from another hive. If on your next inspection there are queen cells on that frame then the hive is queenless.

When should I reduce Beehive entrance?

At most, the entrance reducers that come with the hives should only be used for the coldest few months of winter and should be taken out regularly on the warmer days. When you are comfortable outside in just a light sweater, then it is time for the entrance reducer to come out.

How many times can a hive swarm?

Leaving too many queen cells in a hive after a colony has swarmed once can result in a colony swarming two or three times or more.

What to do about swarming bees?

You may be able to give a honey bee swarm to a beekeeper who will gather the swarm and relocate it for you. To find a beekeeper willing to capture swarms check with a local beekeeper you know or call authorities such as pest control operators, police and fire departments and the local extension office.

What time of year do bees swarm?

spring

How high should beehive be off ground?

approximately 18in

Do beehives need to be off the ground?

A beehive should be at least 6 to 10 inches off the ground. This will keep the beehive entrance clear of ground level moisture and the bottom board from sitting on the ground. Wooden pallets or concrete cinder blocks are commonly used as a beehive stand for this purpose.

Where should beehives be placed?

Do the best you can by following these basic guidelines:

Face your hive to the southeast.
Position your hive so that it’s easily accessible come honey harvest time.
Provide a windbreak at the rear of the hive.
Put the hive in dappled sunlight.
Make sure the hive has good ventilation.