I had several large, late season swarms that are uncommon in Ohio.  Two of the colonies did not successfully requeen.  I am uncertain what this late season biology means for the bees and their colony survival.  Any thoughts?

jtew

I don’t sense that they are problem, but there are definitely more yellowjackets attacking my colonies that in past years.  They enter the hive freely and once inside, I can’t tell what is ongoing.  There are few dead ones out front.  When possible, I will photograph the yellowjacket events.

As they did last year, honey bee water foragers are on the job collecting water in very brisk weather.  The job is a dangerous one and many foragers do not complete the trip.  Once in the water, they chill quickly.