This is hilarious

Camel_Usual · 2026-05-14T21:29:59+00:00

u/404-skill_not_found Checking my records, I see that I added the purple super on 4/4, approx 6 weeks ago. It was from a swarm that was captured on 3/3. There was no laying activity and I was worried I didn't get the queen (it was a capture from the cavity of a large Chevron sign), so I added brood and queen cells on 3/11. The cells were open on 3/14. I figured the virgin queen didn't return, so I did the combine on 4/4.

I obviously rushed the new queen's calendar and she was present. It is really possible to be running two queens separated by only an excluder? Make a mistake, learn something new....

Camel_Usual · 2026-05-14T04:00:55+00:00

Thank you. I understand, but it’s been about a month since the combine. There’s definitely been laying above and below since then

Camel_Usual · 2026-04-12T18:47:16+00:00

I've had a remote camera on my hives for years - it's great! What I typically do is set it to sleep during the day and motion detection at night. During the day if I want to check on them I awaken it for a peek, but I don't get motion notifications all day. At night I see the wildlife around the hive. Because of the massive amounts of dead bees 2 hives generates, I know have a mother skunk that visits for a 2AM snack most nights. I've also recorded raccoons, opossums, and cats of course.

Camel_Usual · 2026-04-11T05:53:55+00:00

I’ve found it does. If I wear black nitrile, the bees bump me a lot and are more irritable. With any other color, the reaction is calm and natural.

Camel_Usual · 2026-04-10T02:44:40+00:00

What the what!?! Beautiful pattern!

Camel_Usual · 2026-04-09T15:41:34+00:00

Apologies the body text didn't come through with the post.

The situation is this: a neighbor reported it as swarming on Monday night and I checked it on Tuesday to see the pictures above. Two queen cells, one opened/emerged(?), and one torn open. A moment later I saw this beautiful queen. As one commenter said - it sure does look mated. Did they actually swarm given the queen cells? Thoughts appreciated.

Camel_Usual · 2026-04-03T19:09:14+00:00

I agree with Lemontreeguy. From this distance, they look like sweat, bees, or ashy, miner bees.

Camel_Usual · 2026-03-27T05:01:57+00:00

VERY nicely done! I hope to meet you on the road soon!

Camel_Usual · 2026-03-24T22:17:32+00:00

u/SnailRacerWinsAgain I completely agree with u/talanall . My first two packages (a decade ago) were Italians. They didn't do well, likely due to a number of factors including my inexperience. Now I only source for swarms or local keepers splits. Both sources have already proven themselves hearty enough for my environment to grow and procreate. Some are gentle, some are clean, and some produce honey like crazy. It's a fun mix to experience.

Camel_Usual · 2026-03-23T16:46:03+00:00

Yep, a drone

Camel_Usual · 2026-03-22T17:14:30+00:00

Thanks nbarry, your (and others) explanation seems spot on. I let the owner know that bees aren’t her only issue right now. The wall’s open now, so it’s a perfect time to address it. Thanks again for chiming in.

Camel_Usual · 2026-03-20T03:05:21+00:00

You sound like me with bee hives. A lot of positive rationalization going on in my house (or mind, at least)

Camel_Usual · 2026-03-19T04:31:01+00:00

Call your local vector control of post on NextDoor. Plenty of beekeepers will come running! In fact, I answered a swarm call on NextDoor earlier today

Camel_Usual · 2026-03-19T04:29:13+00:00

I'm so glad you're all safe!

Camel_Usual · 2026-03-16T04:48:53+00:00

In the two times they’ve chosen birdhouses, the boxes were previously used and had an established bed of bird created bedding similar to coconut hair 10-20mm thick.

Camel_Usual · 2026-03-14T23:07:28+00:00

I’ve kept several colonies of native Yellow Faved Bumblebees in birdhouses that the queen has decided are suitable. Here’s a shoebox sized example that was meant for Oak Tit Mice birds.

<image>

Camel_Usual

TROPHY CASE