All quiet and calm on arrival, temperature around 12c and all bees indoors at 10am.
Eight members of the Society attend this session. We were very pleased to meet another new member to the Society.
The objectives being the removal of feeders, and the installation of mouse-guards.
The weather was cool and initially dry but rain commenced about half-way through.
The objectives being the removal of feeders, and the installation of mouse-guards.
The weather was cool and initially dry but rain commenced about half-way through.
All the six feeders were effectively empty (some residue but not much). They were removed to be cleaned will and then stored.
Inevitably the rain appeared but umbrellas were at the ready We then practiced hefting the hives. Individual beekeepers can use this method to judge the state of winter stores without breaking into the crown board, preserving the seal made by the bees with propolis and maintaining the temperature in the brood box.
Mouse-guards were fitted. The threat from wasps and hornets has receded, but now is the time for rodents to consider warmer accommodation for the winter, which should not include our bee-hives!
We discussed the threat of wood-peckers and we looked at the wired frames that will be deployed later in the winter as the risk develops in very cold weather.
There was a lengthy Q&A session amongst the members where individual experiences of their own bee-keeping were shared and we all benefited from that shared knowledge.Thanks to everyone who attended and for their help in sharing the cleaning of the feeders. Also to Clive for the Photography
Ken Gallagher Apiary Supervisor
Ken Gallagher Apiary Supervisor