Recent content by BlipiBee

There is a local beekeeper who is helping me, I'm not totally sure what he has to treat them with, but I know we need to take action now. What concern do you have with the oxalic acid?

I've not treated yet as they still had brood. Hope to treat this weekend. So at least it sounds normal! I'm lucky my bees are in the garden so I can check daily what's going on. On the other hand, my inexperience and protectiveness of my girls makes me get concerned over things I don't...

This morning I observed my bees fanning at the entrance of their hive. Abdomen down rear facing out. Looks like they are cooling the hive, which seems strange considering it is overcast and in September. Could it be something to do with the sugar syrup, are they attempting to reduce water...

Thanks for your info. The bees are buzzing out over a field of un-harvested rape seed and onto the valley of 'wild land'. It fascinates me where they could be going! They quickly dissapear from view. I'll be looking into the hive again over the weekend so can inspect their stores. I enjoy...

Hi All My bees are coming back this morning with loads of quite dark orange pollen and I'm intreagued where from. What sort of availability is available to bees the second half of Summer? It's great to see them so active so early and with that much pollen! I'm massively proud of my new...

Should I scrape off excess comb build around the shorter National frame edges or leave it? Main overall concern is to make sure all is good for them for the winter. Sounds like what I am doing is ok which is encouraging! Thanks!

Thanks for the feedback. Would it be worth trying your second method or is it a bit late?

I've had my bees for just over a week now and I'm really happy and proud! They came in a 5 frame healthy National nuc and I've now transferred them into my Langstroth by cable tying langstroth bars to the top of the nationals so they hang. Yes I know it is a bit of a messy thing to do but I'm...

Phew! I'm very happy now. Really hope my bees are too! :) Lots to learn...

I've decided to swop them over into my hive tomorrow evening, with expert help! Currently they are in a mini 5 frame borrowed hive and need to be exchanged over soon either way. Aside from this recent behaviour, all seems to be ok and the bees seem very mild. Fingers crossed the change goes...

Yes, they had their heads facing towards the hive. I've not done an inspection inside as I was hoping not to disturb them yet. Just checked again and there are a few bees just lurking not doing much at the entrance and just inside the entrance. I had observed a bee carrying back pollen...

Cool. I've topped up a little party food selection tray I've placed out with water. Has stones in to help them in/out to access the water. I'm a little nervous waiting for them to settle as they are so new. Generally they do seem very mild mannered which is good and I have been popping down...

Ah, I wasn't sure if it was a scent to call bees back or so they know where to come back to. If they are too hot is there anything I should do?

Hi everyone! I'm finally a beekeeper after collecting bees on Saturday! Yay! Just observed them and there are a number at the front of the hive with their back ends up facing outwards and are fanning their wings. I'm sure I read something on this but can't remember what it means. Please can...

I've always loved bees and have been fascinated with beekeeping. It wasn't until I got older that I understood a bit more about beekeeping but didn't think I could do it. Then I realised that many people look after bees as a hobby and that it was within my capabilities. Got an allotment last...