Recent content by madasafish

Pity such hives are too small and are a paradise for swarms.. (Based on my experience with TBHs) EDIT:But with 40 frames - for two colonies - maybe not.

I painted my first poly hive using Hammerite Garage Door paint in green: a solvent based paint. The solvent dissolves a little of the poly to form a tightly adhering skin and 9 years later it looks like new (when washed). But expensive and ages to dry in winter - just use cheap masonry paint...

Cut grass round hives, then fed nucs.. In that order. I do not tolerate bees which cannot stand petrol lawnmowers.

https://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Wet-Rot-Wood-Hardener---500ml/p/600075?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw26KxBhBDEiwAu6KXt2oyMEzGPhoIwi1-y7TqVSdKwf6DSpt-3o1iyz3ysApsrh79ogiaoxoC0akQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds# and https://media.wickes.co.uk/is/content/wickes/R9608_600075_COSHH_0

A soaking in Wood Hardener (Wickes) will make them repairable with woodfiller.. Been there, it works,

Nope. I dislike extra unnecessary work

9 C and sun and not much wind so ideal for checking all eight production colonies. All weighed OK, quick check showed 3 on 4-5 frames, rest on 9 to10... Similar pattern to prior years. Closed up for another week. Nucs doing fine.

I have got used to quick - and I mean really quick - inspections in 10 to 12C if it is not windy or raining.. Even finding and marking Qs superceded in last autumn..last one found Saturday.. Strangely enough the books think that I should wait for 15C... bull excrement...unlikely to see that in...

? I said successes.. currently utter failures... (Apologies for those who think the Government are doing a good job:eek: )

Always approach wings from the rear..I find it easier.

I keep a thumb over entrance when picking up another bee.. Load Q first. Never been stung doing that (lots of other times tho!)

Thieves often return to the site of past successes. Find another site.

-1C this am. Nice and sunny and 9C later on, no wind. So inspected three nucs, found the last Queen I have failed to find this year, marked her , fed all nucs (with thymolised syrup), and supered a very strong Langstroth jumbo# which had been a two box nuc last week. Bees all very good natured...

Talking to people about bees and assisting training newbies. DIY Queen rearing. Swarm prevention - a challenge. Making a "profit" - before my labour (Otherwise making a big loss)

A lanyard is your ally. I use one and cannot lose a hive tool as a result.