Lost hive | Dividing a strong hive

[@tomphlipot3249]

Probably should have put the queen in the new box. This simulates swarming so now less likely to have more swarms. This also leaves the field bees to support the old hive in making a new queen.

[@birchfieldfarming]

Weed cloth under the hives, great idea!!

[@appalachianheartsong5487]

I need to find some solution to the hive beetles and folks say if I can keep them several feet from the entrance they can’t get in. We’ll see :)

[@tomphlipot3249]

They are making queen cells in your original hive because they are packed out. If there are bees on the last frame you need to add more frames. If you want to make more hives, then let them pack out and move the frame with the queen cell along with a frame of food to a new hive.

[@appalachianheartsong5487]

Yes, it took me the first try to figure this out but in my latest you will see I had to divide them again and did as you suggest. All three now have queens but not sure if either of the two new ones have taken their mating flight. I am giving them a couple days and will then check for eggs. Wish me luck, and thanks Tom for the insights.

[@EverettDenny-rd7ed]

Weed cloth looks like a great way for moth prevention as well? Taller grasses around hives I learned the hard way.. is an attractant and gathering place for moths to prepare nighttime hive invasions once they find your hives..especially in mild to warm weather. One time when I saw the number of daytime moth fly ups during normal usual mowing...I decided right then and there to mow close to the ground around my hives to destroy the hiding places. It worked great along with another moth prevention mod I do now on every hive. Another thot-idea just hit me...looks like the black ground cloth could be a plus in "no snow" winter months for creating a "heat rising-reflecting" zone around the hives for bee benefit..??????????