We celebrated the first day of summer by removing the debris boards from the rest of our first year hives. Usually those are out earlier, but it has been a cool, wet season. So what else should you be thinking about if you have first year colonies in a climate similar...
It’s been a while since I’ve posted more information, but you’re likely past the first few critical benchmarks with a new colony of bees. Now it’s mainly a matter of letting them build. Random thoughts and suggestions: Entrance reducers: If your bees are lining up to...
Spring is steadily arriving; here are considerations for a new install in a climate comparable to SW Michigan’s. Reality check Frames drawn out: There should be substantial progress on at least half the frames of the first box—a few of them perhaps almost all full of...
Mid-May, mid-40 degree temperatures: I refilled hive feeders Thursday while wearing a winter coat. I’m done with this chill, but I’m sure when it is 90 degrees I’ll also be whining. Anyway, here are things, Honey, to Bear in Mind this time of year for bees in areas...
Over the last month we’ve installed a couple dozen packages of bees into their hives. I’ve been taking lots of questions from newbees (and I love it!). Here are some of the common concerns: What’s that white stuff in the package? Depending upon how long those bees...
I suspect most readers recently have or are about to install packages of honeybees. I installed a couple dozen last week, and have eight more coming this week. Once you catch “bee disease,” like chocolate and money, you can never have enough! Here’s a couple more...
