This Month in the Apiary: November
- Varroa treatments should now be complete remove strips such as Amitraz to avoid building resistance by varroa mites
- Mouseguards should be in place along with woodpecker protection
- Heft the hive to judge the level of stores. It is now too late to feed syrup as it cannot be processed, only use fondant wrapped in cling film and placed over the crownboard hole
- Ensure the hives are pest proof and weighted down with bricks against winds
- Ensure under the hives are clear of weeds etc to reduce damp
- Insulate the roof or place on top of the crownboard in order to help the cluster maintain an ambient temperature
- Watch for continuous frosts in order to treat with oxalic in a broodless period towards the end of the month
- Now is the time to clean and repair equipment
- Spend the winter months planning for next year and reading up on topics to improve your knowledge