Natural Beekeeping International Forum

[BeeGuardian]

We are new to bee keeping... we received a package five days ago... and mostly the weather has been cool, with rain. I do see bees leaving the hive when it is raining outside. There are not a lot - but they do seem to still leave, circle a bit - then dart off in one direction or the other. My question, could these just be cleansing flights? How far would they range to do their business when it is raining outside?

[rmcpb]

When you say rain do you mean rain or just a soft shower. If the latter then the bees will keep going till the nectar gets too diluted to be worth the effort. they are pretty tough little creatures.

Cheers
Rob.

[Garret]

Are you feeding them sugar syrup? If it is rainy and not many bees are foraging they need the syrup for wax production so they can build their combs.

[BeeGuardian]

I am feeding them a 1:1 syrup mixture for wax building.

The rain is anywhere to drizzle, soft shower and torrential downpour. Although we have not seen bees out in the torrential downpours - we have seen them out (a few dozen at a time) during the soft showers (which surprised us).

We were just curious as to whether they are out foraging... or were they just taking cleansing flights. And what is the distance they would go to 'cleanse'. They circle about and take off, disappearing out of the yard (about 40' or so).

[Barbara]

Hi

My bees will fly through all but the very heaviest summer downpours, as long as the temperature is above 10C.

Your bees are most likely foraging at that distance. Judging by the poop on my washing when I hang it out and car etc they tend to relieve themselves within the 40ft distance. I had one come out of the hive and poop on me as I was watching them last year, cheeky little blighter!
The initial circling is for orientation, just to remind themselves what home looks like before they head off. Keep an eye out for pollen going in very soon if not already.

Regards

Barbara

[BeeGuardian]

Thanks... on the 'warmer' days - and we've had a few... there has been some pollen going in. It's good to know they are tough little beasties - and true 'Oregonians' - loving the rain, and all.