At the Hive Entrance.pdf - BioBees

Observation
Explanation
A queenless colony with egglaying
workers is shaken at
some distance from the apiary.
Its bees attempts to enter neighbouring
colonies that have
good queens.
The shaken bees first fly towards their old hive. Finding
it shut they place themselves near the hive
entrance. Soon "emissaries" direct themselves
towards the alighting boards of neighbouring colonies,
which as in times of robbery, have reinforced the
guards. It then seems as if a dialogue between the two
parties is established for their antennae move avidly.
The petitioners lie on the wood, as if to imply that
they do not wish to fight. When their peaceful intensions
are recognized and after a strict examination
entry is allowed.
If before shaking the bees they are given the opportunity
to fill their crops with honey, entry is made
without a fight and with greater speed. This confirms
that, when the bees are sated and encumbered many
"operations" are more easily achieved. One must attribute
no great value to such reinforcements and none
at all if they take place after 15th August, when the
nectar flow has ended, for nearly all the bees are old
and will soon die. If the colony has a drone-laying
queen, she must be removed several hours before the
operation. If one wishes to avoid pointless fights the
shaken bees must feel orphaned when they seek
admittance to other colonies. A full crop is not always
enough.
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