Search results

Thanks all for the replies. The boxes were advertised as made in the UK using north American western red cedar (presumably sourced from the USA not Canada as is usually advertised). Initially they were 20 pounds in the sale, but by the time I had overcome my better judgment they were 23...

Against my better judgement I ordered a couple of national brood boxes from a well known Kent beekeeping supplier. They seem to have strayed somewhat from what used to be the British standard. The side rails and side panel are both made from 20.5mm thick wood. The standard as far as I...

I've seen bees absconding in mid-March-ish. I was gardening near the hives when I heard a swarm sound. A very small cluster of bees formed on my skimmia which was in full flower at the time (and a favourite of the bees). Probably little more than half a mug of bees. At the centre was a queen...

I hope somebody is looking into adding AI to the Asian hornet app. That would drastically reduce the workload. (Possibly showing my ignorance with this comment since I don't have the app downloaded)

https://www.pollenize.org.uk/asian-hornet-ai-detection

Pollen Pirate is right. Lke any new hobby there is a whole new terminology to learn that feels like a foreign language at the start, but once that is out the way it really is not difficult. Bees are quite capable of looking after themselves, they've had millions of years practise at it.

Translation: Pouring food into the comb

Good UK beekeeping channels are hard to find. My recommendations would be: Energyhill bees - Quirky are funny. Just ignore the most recent ones about pollen analysis which are a bit boring (sorry Helen). John Bee Man Saunders - Relaxed viewing. Phil Chandler - Mainly topbar hives. A more...

I think your post and the 'Likes' it has received rather proves Martin's point?

If you are prepared to have the hassle of importing from Germany, then have a look at Nisala extractors https://nisalashop.eu/ . They sell on the German eBay too. Video of Vevor extractor basket being adapted for radial . Doing it this way you might be able to put 8 in radially (arranged...

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-68656787 Should have gone to specsavers

Presumably Have to wait for the BBKA spring convention for more info it seems. Chinese whispers say two of the unallocated hornets in Plymouth were found dead at the side of the road and the third nearby which hints at falling out of a vehicle. No idea if that is correct or not.

Just to add, why haven't we had the DNA results from last year's nests yet?

Thanks, I didn't even know that page existed. Is it linked from the BBKA/NBU sites? It rather proves my point though, the latest sightings aren't yet on there. Far too slow. And not a lot of information. The BBKA seem to be the fastest official source, but perhaps too fast. For example...

You would hope that somebody is doing the maths. If the AH becomes established then how much money will local governments be spending clearing nests from near playgrounds, schools, roads etc? What would be the loss of revenue from damaged crops etc? What price do you put on the public...

In their FAQ there is a question "Where do you import your queens from?". The answer is: Our Queens are supplied to us imported from Hungary, North Italy & Greece. All queens arrive into the UK with full health certification and are checked by a bee inspector on arrival. I should imagine...

Found at a warehouse with trucks arriving from France.

They're actually not 35mm. The plastic ones are 37mm if you line them up the same way or 36.5mm if you alternate them. If you make your own 5 frame nucs that are exactly half a brood box width then the 37mm spacing fits nicer than Hoffman's 35mm. Standard castellations are 38mm in this...

If Jo Public is repeatedly told by the media that honeybees are in decline, beekeepers infer that honeybees are in decline, then if Jo Public thinks honeybees are in decline it is not because of stupidity. It is because there is some shyster beekeeper feeding this narrative which the media laps...