Why are my bees on the front of the hive?

COMMOTION IN FRONT OF THE HIVE

On warm days in early spring I notice much commotion in front of the hive. What is going on?

On a bright day after inclement weather, bees which have been confined for some time will often cause an unusual commotion in front of the hive. Bees will be flying in all directions. Watch them for a short time. If concentration of bees remains in the area of the hive, it is probably a play flight. If the colony should be swarming, the concentration of bees in the air moves away from the hive area. If the bees are grabbing each other by the wings and feet and trying to sting each other, it could be robbing. The concentration of bees will be heaviest at the entrance to the hive. If it is robbing, then reduce the entrance to the hive to 2 inches by l/2 inch high. This will enable the guard bees to protect their hive better. Do not smoke the hive when robbing is in progress as the smoke will drive the guard bees away from the entrance. If you reduce the entrance and bees are still trying to rob, place some loose grass around the entrance to assist the guard bees in protecting their hive.