Monitor varroa levels by putting the board in for a few days. More than 2 a day means it would be a good idea to treat. In cold weather the bees cluster, two weeks of low temperatures allow for oxalic treatment if the colony is broodless- only use an approved treatment and record its use. If … Continue reading →
Varroa treatment should have been completed. Note treatments are temperature dependent and may be less effective as temperatures drop. Unite small healthy colonies or unite to stronger ones. Assess stores. Nationals need approximately 40lbs /18kg of stores feeding should be finished by mid -September. ( A brood frame holds 5lb/2.3kg, supers 3lbs/1.4kg). Feed 2:1 syrup. feed … Continue reading →
One of the great talks given at this year’s National Honey Show – Reading a Hive
Continue reading →Remove supers and extract – leave a super with space if you will have Himalayan Balsam coming in Put a super under the clearer board to give space for the bees to go into Mark the supers so you can put them back on the same hive above the crown board for the same hive for … Continue reading →
Please be aware that there has been an increasing number of reports of EFB in our locality. As this is a serious and notifiable disease beekeepers should ensure they are familiar with the symptoms and are also registered on Beebase. If you suspect you may have an instance of EFB in one of your colonies you … Continue reading →
This is usually the main month for the honey crop Lime and clover are in flower and the blackberry is out in a lot of places Don’t add more supers unless needed as the brood nest will begin to contract Move outer frames not filled or capped in towards the centre so that the bees don’t … Continue reading →
Barry Crabtree from the Ipswich and East Suffolk BKA invites you to join him on Zoom to look inside a top bar hive this Saturday 13th. Register in advance via Zoom. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Continue reading →Continue weekly checks and perform swarm control if necessary if you see charged cells Extract Spring honey, return supers to the colony they came from Be aware if there is a ‘June gap ‘ in forage or the weather deteriorates – feed if necessary but not with supers on A monthly health check is a good … Continue reading →
Continue weekly inspections checking for eggs and queen cups and cells. Empty cups may be okay watch when they are polished and act if they have an egg or are charged with royal jelly. Remember the appearance of drones indicates swarm time watch the egg laying. If it decreases the bees could be readying your queen … Continue reading →
Spring feeding – you may wish to assist with feeding to give the bees a further head start. or if the weather doesn’t allow the bees out to forage. A 1:1 syrup is okay nowSpring cleaning – give the bees a clean floor, and entrance, Think about changing comb with a Bailey comb change or working … Continue reading →
