I opened up the hive for a very quick, non-invasive look today, and was delighted with what I found. While there were no signs of new comb in the medium box with no foundation (it’s too soon), the three frames of wax-foundation in the original bottom brood box had cross-connected and regular comb on it in random places. I only was able to lift out the wax-foundation frames about an inch as the cross-connected comb was ripping when I started to lift. I carefully lowered and replaced the frames, squirting a few mists of 1:1 syrup on top of the wax-foundation frames, hoping the mists would carry some of the sugar down the frames I couldn’t full pull out.
What this means to me is simple:
- For some reason the bees got the signal and decided the start building on the wax-foundation, horizontally expanding their overcrowded brood box.
- They are expanding, so they are not likely to swarm.
- They are doing expanding their habit so they can store up provisions for the winter.
I am so happy, I did a bee dance. If I didn’t look silly enough in a full, white suit in my front yard, doing a little dance made me look like a bad John Travolta impersonator. Thank goodness I have tolerant neighbors.