Do Mites Make Bees Mean?

[Jen]

I was presented this question today from a fellow beek. She said that all three of her hives nailed her today.

I said that in my experience if there are a lot of mites in the hive, that they generally get more lethargic.

What do you guys think?

[Riverrat]

I dont think it was mites  There are a lot of things that can make a hive mean.  skunks, weeds and branches rubbing on the side of the hive.  Time of day, Weather, nectar flow,  And even time of the year.  without knowing all the details it would be hard to nail down and even then it might be tough

[Jen]

I have a couple of nucs that are snarky now. It was said at our last bee meeting that the summer solstice can make our bees cranky. Harder to find nectar and water...

[Bakersdozen]

A dearth can make them cranky.  They are all dressed for a party and no where to go!   
Riverrat is right about external things irritating them.  Being queenless is another. 

[Les]

I have to agree with Baker, being queenless makes them snarky.  I have been trying for weeks to get a queen established in a swarm hive and I dread going in the hive.  Bam, bam, bam, right through my jeans.  I am looking for Carharts now LOL!

[Jen]

This is what I figured. I know that when we were going thru our 6 year drought, the bees were less than nice during the summer.

And my friends hives are not loaded with mites, they are new packages this year. I believe out where she lives that there isn't anything blooming at the moment.

Thanks guys, just wanted to verify that