Beekeepers Observe 'Bearding' Behavior in Hives Due to Summer Heat

environment · Summer 2020 · Denman Island

Local beekeeper reports that honeybee colonies are exhibiting 'bearding' behavior, where bees cluster outside the hive to cool the colony during hot summer weather. This is a normal and positive sign of a strong hive population and temperature regulation.

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“Buzz on Bees... That hanging basket of bees located by your hive’s entrance or the layers of bees wrapped around the outside of your bottom brood box is completely normal... This is called ‘bearding.’” — The Islands Grapevine – August 6th, 2020 (August 6th, 2020)

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