In early September, we successfully installed a robbing screen on one of our beehives to protect it from potential robbing by other bees. The screen is working as intended, allowing the hive’s bees to enter and exit while offering better protection from intruders. Initially, the bees were confined to the hive due to the cold weather, but as the temperatures warmed up, they resumed their foraging activities.
During the warmer part of the day, we observed a significant increase in bee traffic, with a noticeable traffic jam as the foragers returned home. Earlier in the day, some bearding behavior was present, where bees congregated on the outside of the hive to regulate internal temperature. However, this bearding decreased by late afternoon, likely due to temperature changes and the hive adjusting to the new screen. Some bees are still acclimating to the robbing screen’s new entrance, as they must now adjust to the more complex path of entry.
Meanwhile, we controlled the entrance of another hive, referred to as “the Layens hive,” by using a round entrance disc. This disc allows both workers and drones to exit and return, but prevents robbing from occurring. We’ve noticed a strong honey scent around the hives, suggesting that the bees are actively gathering nectar and preparing for winter. This is a good indication that both hives are in full swing, with the robbing screen providing the added security needed to protect their precious stores.