Bees investigate the opening of a new nest site in a hollow tree trunk.
When investigating a potential site for a new hive, scout bees carefully
check the cavity to ensure it meets certain specifications. It must be
large enough to hold a volume of not less than about six and a half
gallons. It must have a small entrance that has a maximum diameter of
about one and a half inches and that lies near the base to facilitate
removal of waste. Finally, it should face south for warmth, and it should
lie high off the ground to protect against predators. Once they have
identified a suitable site, honeybees scrape off any loose wood or other
debris and coat the interior surface with propolis, or dried tree resin.
They then starting generating beeswax to build the combs.
If this swarming honeybee colony cannot find a good site for a new hive soon, it will perish.
Bees investigate the opening of a new nest site in a hollow tree trunk.
If this swarming honeybee colony cannot find a good site for a new hive soon, it will perish.