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I do not paint any of my wooden hives, instead I use clear, breathable, wood preserver.

In my first year I lost a colony to wasps. When I took the CB off the whole hive was just full of them. It was a sickening sight. Having learnt better management I have not had a wasp problem since. I endeavour to keep colonies strong, use good apiary hygiene and if they start sniffing round...

As above, a prophylactic dose of a modern antihistamine before you open hives can help if you react to stings. Epipens are prescription only and have a short shelf life, so need replacing regularly. Look up any good first aid site for anaphylaxis advice. Dr. Ex

Without a QE in, it is all one big nest, with no distinct BB or honey super. If so small why leave them on brood and half pre winter shutdown? Let the volume of bees and stores dictate the volume of hive pre winter

Did mine 2 weeks ago, after a cold spell on a less cold day.

Welcome. You had a good start going on a course. Your second year coming up. Sorry, but that will be tougher than the first but just as enjoyable. Try to resist any fiddling with the bees over winter. I assume you have treated or intend to treat soon for varroa and just keep a regular check...

He did say no more money would be made available. There's a surprise

I think he said he would come up with more useful guidance in January or February when they had analysed the data. All was politically correct. If what I have read is true, I think the fipronil custard is a great idea, but fear it will never be officially sanctioned

As medical students we regularly had to attend pm demonstrations . The pathologists idea of fun was to always schedule them just before lunch

You haven't seen my fridge!

Some BKA's have money to burn. Like JBM, mine is an old fridge. Very versatile and still giving good service after10+ years

As BKP describes it, he still thinks of them as "his" bees. As JBM says, I don't understand it.

Whatever. Beekeeping. I just like the smell of fresh foundation. JBM is right, main problem is it is very brittle when cold. If it is a cold day in spring when I am putting in foundation I will do it indoors. I have messed up enough sheets in the past

And if kept wrapped will be fresher to get the bees working on it. ( I know some don't think it makes a difference)

I enjoy your posts JBM. I am thick skinned but do sometimes feel your comments are near the mark. I accept that is you, but others might be put off the forum. No worries.

Hope the bees go along with your plans. In my experience they are likely to have different ideas.

My pan vape takes 3 mins to fully sublimate. I leave to cool for 3 minutes, then put it back together. All sublimate has solidified by then. I only have a few hives at present and do other jobs while waiting. I don't use PPE, just stay well away from the hive being treated. Cannot justify an...

I vaped my hives yesterday using a pan, from the top, using a special eke. I still had sublimate escaping round the edge of the varroa board

Conical makes sense and works well for me

Have a look at The Apiarist 's blog this week. https://theapiarist.org/is-it-time-for-oxalic-acid/#more-15627 All to do with OA vape. He believes ( in Scotland) his colonies are broodless about now. I am in Devon and based on my evidence am doing mine today