Spruce's honey bees

My Red Admiral was the same today - almost in an hypnotic state and enjoying the warmth in the brickwork I think,
Jenny

 

Hi All ,

Very bad news for the UK ,

Small Hive Beetle Detected in South West Italy

https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/beebase/index.cfm?pageid=125

 

Looks like I may have to do this this but the is a good clip to show you what they look like

 

Hi All,

I have been informed that they do effect bumble bees as well as honey bees.

Still none found in the UK , BUT THE beetle larvae may be transported in from pots etc in the soil.


Quick update on mine , up to 4 hives now so increased it by two, only had to buy the beehives I got the bees for free , so local bees headed up by local queens.

All ready for winter lots of store more than 50lb honey in each one so its up to them now to get one with it .

Spruce

 

What do the larvae look like Spruce? it's something we must keep an eye out for As if the Bees don't have enough problems with the weather and pesticides and other nasties.

 

I will probably find out first to be honest , I will put a photo on of the beetle and the grub

Spruce

 

Hi All

2015


I treated all the beehives this morning all 4 are looking really good lots of bees and lots of honey.
Oxalic acid is a natural y occurring substance and is normally found at
very low concentrations in Honey.

Oxalic acid cleansing has been shown to be effective at controlling varroa numbers in a colony of bees.

This was dribbled on to the bees mixed in a warm sugar solution , I use it now as the queen has hopefully stopped laying and all the mites should be on the bees not sealed in with the larvae as if they are the treatment doesn't effect them .

Hopefully I have explained, if not just ask....

 

Fabulous Spruce,Thanks for the update Are those little blobs the mites?

 

yes , thats them , if you had one it would be the size of a dinner plate stuck to you

I have put the inspection trays in (bottom of hive underneath the metal grill flooring smeared with cooking oil so I will check how many have dropped off.
Hopefully it wont be a large count...... I will let you know

 

28th February (reminder for me)

Just come back from the Apiary , all the bees are out and about flying around so all 5 hives have made it this far, really pleased for them.

Thought all the bee fans would like a update.

Spruce

 

Spruce, I know you'll all going to laugh but we've got to ask the question,
what make set honey set and runny honey runny?

Very inportant as Miss Jiff is addicted to it

 

Thanks for the update Spruce...