What behavior might suggest that a colony is in distress rather than thriving?

Bees clustering on the outside of the hive often indicates that the colony is experiencing some form of distress. This behavior can signal several issues, such as overcrowding within the hive or the presence of problems related to disease or pests. When bees are unable to find adequate space or are under stress from environmental factors, they may choose to cluster outside rather than remaining inside the hive, where they would normally be engaged in activities like brood care and foraging.

In a thriving colony, you would expect to see bees actively moving in and out of the hive, taking care of the queen and brood, and efficiently foraging for nectar and pollen. Conversely, if they are clustering outside, it suggests that there may be a significant disruption to their normal activities, which often reflects a lack of resources or a failure in social structure within the colony. Therefore, this behavior serves as an important indicator of the hive's health and is critical for beekeepers to monitor.