Another hive check before Colorado trip

Tired of counting bars so have written bar numbers on tape and attached them today. Found in “Beekeeping for Dummies” that one doesn’t usually have to deal with swarming during first year of hive and unless one finds 8ish queen cells on the lower third portion of comb, no need for worry. There were three on B4 when I checked a week ago; today it looked no different than the other comb filled with brood—sending before and after pictures with Jody to the beekeepers meeting for input. So, I’m thinking the “real” queen came along and saw and killed the developing pupae.

Going from newest bars back to the beginning. B13 had a 4” comb with cells of nectar. B12 now has almost full comb drawn—was just 3” at last week’s check—with nectar, no brood. B12 was attached to the side walls so I used a serrated knife to cut through the wax. B11 and 10 cross-combed, which I left during the last check; B11 has no brood while B10 appears to be the usual brood comb.

B11 had been drawn again after the June 17 “crash” and was extending into B12 space on both sides so left side was trimmed and right side not done as it was not as prominent. However, B12 comb was drawn away from the comb on B11…interesting—maybe B11 and B10 only look cross combed? Will recheck B11 for brood next hive check and also right side comb to see if it needs removal. B10 had one “queen cell” which we removed for Jody’s hive (which we think has a failing queen or none at all). B9.5 had comb fully drawn just since insertion eight days ago…wow! There were many “queen cells” on B9 today; will see if that goes the way of B4—not at all concerned about queen cells and swarming this time around.

It is the workers who determine queens by the royal jelly at the larva stage and reigning queen dispenses with those potential usurpers, unless she needs a replacement or is preparing to swarm. B8, 6, and 5 not examined. B7 shows a good portion of dark brood cells, an indication that cells are being reused.

B4 no longer had queen cells at bottom edge but looked like a normal brood comb. There was a bright white wet-looking larva in one of the cells—first time I’ve actually seen one.

Did not peer at B1, 2, or 3 since all seems to be going fine elsewhere. Once again these bees were docile and not at all agitated by our intrusion…that is a big plus especially when one got between my eyes and glasses—who could believe I would be handling comb with bees and bees flying everywhere! “Dummies” also suggested one use reading glasses when examining the hive for magnification…works really well.

Now off to Colorado for 2-3-4 weeks; taking along the comb that crashed from B11 during the June 17 hive check for grandchildren to make candles. Husband Lee will keep an eye on the bees and friend Jody will check hive if needed. I think there may be honey to harvest when I return!