Author Archives: Ian

Have a beer, you deserve it!

Clean tools and equipment and store away. Take good care of any drawn comb or foundation, keep it mouse proof (and moth proof in the warmer months).

Complete winter feeding and fit a mouse guard. Ensure the hive is in a good state of repair for the winter.

The hive now rests, the queen probably stops laying altogether. The drones are evicted or killed, our bees are getting ready for winter and drones are not required until the next swarming season. Take the last of the honey and … Continue reading →

The hive contracts in size quickly, there is little nectar to be had so the bees show little sign of activity. Swarm control measures are not needed now but you might want to restrict the hive entrance size to prevent … Continue reading →

A good month for nectar, drones are still present in the hive but the worker numbers are reducing. Supers may be added as honey production should be at it best with a bit of luck. Swarm control is still required … Continue reading →

If your bees haven’t swarmed you will have 50,000 (give or take a few) bees in your hive, at this juncture the queen’s rate of lay will start to reduce and consequently the brood will shrink. Honey (especially Rape) can … Continue reading →

Fingers crossed for good weather with nectar and pollen in great abundance. The queen is now reaching her greatest rate of lay and the brood should now be filling the brood box. With the amount of Rape we have locally … Continue reading →

With improving weather (I know, but it’s nice to dream) the nectar yield improves and the brood is now increasing dramatically. The odd drone should now be seen and, in this area, the workers will start on the Rape from … Continue reading →

A worrying month for the beekeeper, although our bees have survived the rigors of winter this is the time when they can die of starvation. Hopefully this will not happen because the beekeeper has kept them well supplied with food … Continue reading →