Bees today

Our beekeeper was here today to check the hives, and to add extra boxes for storage of honey.  Bees do not like to feel crowded, which is a swarming stimulus.

The hives are all opened.

Trays are checked for honey, pollen, brood, or empty.

Making space in boxes by adding empty trays.  Strong colonies are given more room for honey.

Checking for queen cells, which would indicate crowding and possible swarming.

Using the spacer.

Drones on a hand.

When the checking is finished the hives are bigger, and the bees are making more honey, and all is well for today.