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Unfortunately there are sufficient people around who are so gormless that they need several reminders on what to do to remain alive. When the pack drops on my doormat, I have a pretty good idea what I have to do.

Thanks both for the advice. I skipped the birdbath for a tub of water and was left with a sludge rather then crust - easily cleaned. I will check the other pan in case too much northern beer has the same effect as an excess of port ....

Just finished the third vaping. According to the Apibioxal instructions - "vape for 3 mins, turn off power and leave in the hive for a further 15mins". I noticed a couple of things. 1. The bees were all over the pan at the end of the wand. What were they doing and should I leave the wand in...

I can echo that about Parkgate. Back in the day, it was the second most polluted air after Middlesborough. In later life I had a white company car which slowly turned a reddish brown from the fallout. Living in Pitsmoor the heavy hammers from the Sheffield works could be heard all day and night.

Thanks everyone. Sound like it's just normal activity with the bees enjoying a late mild spell. They are entering and leaving normally with no fighting nor trying to sneak in the back way. They are bringing back some pollen but are still taking the 2:1 syrup. One hive registered a higher...

With the mild weather the bees have been more active that a "normal" November. Looking at the activity around the hives, it seems more like a usual "flow" day. I just wondered of the groups of workers going in and out actually belong to the colony or are they robbers from elsewhere. There...

Thanks for all the advice. I think I will stick to wood for now. I may try some when I am more experienced.

Just wondering if anyone has tried out these frames. They look OK and claim to be be better than wood. Although they are more expensive than wood it might be cheaper in the long run if they last longer. Seems as if they can be easily cleaned by boiling or even in the dishwasher. Thought I might...

If you don't wave them around flagrantly in front of the bees, they generally ignore them but then again I suppose girls will be girls.....

I have installed a cheap temperature/humidity sensor set in the crownboard of each hive. I am unsure of the accuracy as they are not in the centre of the brrod but above it, but readings can be compared with those taken during the summer. The main purpose is to spot temperature changes during...

Just made a small batch of 2:1 using boiled water. Works perfectly. Final mix fits perfectly into a 2lt milk container. Handy size to cart around. Didn;t manage to inspect fully as we were rained off (surprise, surprise). Thanks again for all the advice.

Thanks Dani.

Thanks Dani, is that 2 parts sugar to 1 part water or the other way around?

I'm planning my final inspection tomorrow. Off with the Apiguard and on with syrup feeders. Hives protected with Kingspan and bluetooth thermometers installed so I can keep a check on changes in temperature in the brood box. A couple of questions. 1. What ratio of syrup is best? I plan to...

Thanks. Feel more confident with the treatment now. I'll use the foil as you suggest.

Thanks. So is it quite safe to use Apibioxal 3-4-times for both the autumn treatment and the same for the midwinter one? I assume that it's licensed for one treatment p.a. but safe to use more frequently.

I'm preparing for my first autumn/winter varroa treatment. Mite count is low at present but the more I read about timing and types of treatment the more confused I get. I am planning to use Api Bioxal by vaping in August/September and a repeat around November/December. Many advise three...

Thanks for the advice. I will give it a shot next season with a new nuc but keep my present setup of mediums/shallows with my current hives.