mn_newbee · Minnesota, US · Beginners · Jun 22, 2026

Huge mass of bees fanning at the entrance after every inspection — did I lose the queen?

First year, one hive, Minnesota. Every single time I finish an inspection, within a few minutes there's this carpet of bees on the landing board and front of the hive, all facing the entrance with their tails up in the air, wings going like crazy. It goes on for 20-30 minutes. I convinced myself I'd rolled the queen and they were 'crying', took the hive apart AGAIN two days ago just to check, and there she was, laying away like nothing happened. And then the same fanning show started after I closed up. Is this a normal thing? Google gives me everything from 'they're fine' to 'absconding imminent' and I can't tell what applies. It looks dramatic but they're not aggressive at all.

#nasonov#fanning#first-year#entrance-behavior

▲ 15 votes 💬 3 replies

3 replies

InesMel · Jun 22, 2026

Completely normal and actually a good sign. Tails up with a pale band exposed at the tip of the abdomen = Nasonov gland. They're broadcasting 'home is here' so all the bees you shook loose and the returning foragers can reorient after you rearranged their house. Colonies do the same thing when a swarm moves into a box. No connection to queen loss.

AbejaMiguel · Jun 22, 2026

InesMel has it. Queenless roaring sounds and looks different — bees running on the comb, a high whiny buzz, disorganized. Fanning is orderly, everyone pointed the same way. You'll also see it on hot afternoons for ventilation, wings going but tails down, no gland showing. Two different jobs, same wing motion.

mn_newbee · Jun 23, 2026

That is such a relief, thank you both. Went and looked at photos I took and you can actually see the little pale band on their tail tips. Officially standing down from panic mode (until the next thing).

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