8 members of the Society attended this session on a bright if somewhat cool day at the apiary. With one exception, queens were found, and the general strength and well being of the colonies was good. The supers previously put on for clearing were complete and removed and the final three supers with extracted wet frames were shared between 4, 7 and 10.
Hive 7 seemed a little agitated, and despite great concentration the queen could not be found. That is until someone noticed it was sitting on the rear right shoulder of the whitest, brightest bee suit. Sneaky! but It was gently gathered into a container and returned to the hive, where happiness and great calm ensued.
Hive 4 - previously a nucleus from Hive 10, and with a new red queen (last seen 11/8/18) but could not be found. It was much stronger and had brood and larvae, (some of the latter very recent). The box is quite congested so no conclusion can be drawn just yet. A super for clearing placed above with Queen excluder, so she will be found.
Three new members, and a lot of hands on experience for all concerned. So a successful day.
We have completed the harvesting of the honey, and very soon cleared supers will be removed. More interest from wasps of course. There is however still forage coming in to the hives, but laying by the queens is slowing down, so whilst there was good sealed brood and larvae, eggs were harder to find.
We need to consider varroa control, and then concentrate on strong hives and good stores
KEN GALLAGHER
We have completed the harvesting of the honey, and very soon cleared supers will be removed. More interest from wasps of course. There is however still forage coming in to the hives, but laying by the queens is slowing down, so whilst there was good sealed brood and larvae, eggs were harder to find.
We need to consider varroa control, and then concentrate on strong hives and good stores
KEN GALLAGHER