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Dead bees from thunderstorm

2K views 3 replies 2 participants last post by  roadkillbobb 
#1 ·
Hi All Im new to this forum and have joined as I have looked out my window at my hive to see dead bees scattered all over the lawn. I have had my hive for 11/2 years and love it.

We had a thunderstorm (the first in a year) arrive last night and has been booming all night and continuing this morning. The rain is sporadic and with large droplets. The temperature this morning is a 19C, so not cold at all.

Outside the hive the bees are bearding (not unusual for my hive) with some bees clearly dead still clinging to the landing board. The dead bees appear sticky and wet and so do the other scattered all over the lawn (their wings looked stuck down).

Note - I did rob 1 frame of honey yesterday (via flow system - so very little disturbance). The hive arrangement at present is 1 super langstroth (full stores), 1 super flow (1/2 full stores) and 1 brood.

My thoughts are that the hive is flooding inside? and humidity is a problem?? I have cracked the lid and covered with an umbrella.

It is so devastating to see them under stress. Can anyone help me understand whats going on??
 
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