Increased defensive behaviour in my Carnies...

[Mklangelo]

>I wonder if they are more aggressive when they are about to swarm. Any insights on that?

Never noticed it.  They are more aggressive in a dearth, on a windy day, on a cloudy drizzly day and right about sunset.

Dearth is lack of forage?  If so, they ladies are still bringing in pollen and their landing pads make O'Hare airport look like ghost town, lol.

[CBEE]

We are in an extreeeem dearth here and I have learned that just because they are coming and going like mad and even bringing in pollen they may not be bringing in any nectar. My bees are still bringing in pollen from only the good lord knows where but there is no nectar. It's incredible how quick they can suck down a quart of syrup.

[Cindi]

Peter.  YOu said something very interesting about the queen pheromone that causes "forgetfulness".  What you said actually does make complete sense.  But, being the curious person that I am, I would like to know how you know this.  Could you elaborate further on it, maybe tell us where this information was obtained from.  I am not doubting your word one little bit, just very curious about queen pheromones and love to learn about all aspects of our bees.  I always wondered why it was advised to requeen when bees become nasty temperament and lack of a particular queen pheromone seems logical, I just need facts.  Have a wonderful day, beautiful day in this life.  Cindi

[Michael Bush]

>If so, they ladies are still bringing in pollen

Sometimes there is lots of pollen and no nectar.  Dearth is no nectar.  But I would expect there to be nectar right now until you get a killing frost.

[n9kww]

Rule number one, when playing with bess smoke um first ask questions later!!
Most time they are not aggressive, but if its hot and sticky, then they are already ticked off before you get their so they are looking for a fight. You were it, i always smoke them durring those type of days.

fall is the wrst time of the year as they are busy getiing the last drop of honey before the frost hits. In most cases after the first frost 90-99% of the nector is gone, they just fly around looking for anything that may have made it through the frost and they don't take prisoners !!!

[ooptec]

Hey Cindi,

I think it was a newspaper article that If I remember correctly quoted a scientific paper but I never saved it as the amt of reading I do I would need another HD and we all know what trying to find it again would be like ....... (like my shed   lol)

I did post the info either here or another group (beesource, google - sci.agriculture.beekeeping maybe)

Tho Michael Bush replied to the post so perhaps he has a better idea.

Going on holidays to your neck of the woods, Mayne Island. Counting the sleeps

cheers

peter

[Cindi]

Peter, enjoy your trip to Mayne Island.  It is beautiful, so I have heard.  That is one of the places that I want to one day go to.  Saltspring Island is another one I will one day visit.  My Son-in-Law's, Sister-in-Law's, Sister lived on Mayne Island.  She loved it there, but wanted to move to a larger city, so she headed away from the island and came here.  Beautiful place, she has told me stories.  Enjoy, I wish it was me going there.  Have a wonderful day and trip, Cindi