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Noted wasps nonchalantly strolling into two of strongest hives this morning - not a bother on them or the 'guards'. I tapped loudly upon the hive and then out poured bees pulling up braces, squaring up and looking for bovver - bit late but did begin to protect the entrance. Reduced entrance...

Newbee (relatively) here as well. Hooper – Guide to bees … ‘The Book’ - excellent but a little weighty in style for the beginner – place it alongside Bees at the Bottom of the Garden, itself a little light but with good solid practical and simply explained processes it’s a good combination...

Perhaps a word to the wise. We have had very small incidence of mite dropbut use Autumn Apiguard treatment and vaporise at New Year. We recently received a Nuc and looked at free fall of Varroa to board – Little enough day fall rate at approx. 3. On Sunday put on Apiguard and a relative snowfall...

Ditto- Top bars back-to-back to aid turning (balance in turn)

Thanks for advice - No Cells on purchase - Marked Queen in situ - week later no Queen some few eggs and we knocked QC's down - four days later no eggs, laying area awash with nectar and multitude of QC's open and loaded. This is a Nuc (strong). Have decided because of time factor (Finnman's post...

Took delivery of Nuc last week – vigorous colony. Unfortunately Queen has gone – no eggs today – but many Queen cells. If I can’t source a laying Queen do I knock down all but two good sized Cells? If one does emerge will the Virgin Q take out a swarm or kill the yet to emerge competitor? What...

We are down 75% having brought all through to February - Have one prolific laying Queen remaining and the remnants of a Nuc being nursed (without much hope) along with some assist from stronger - plus a new additional Nuc. Annual replacements are becoming a financial drain... A suppliers market...

I did as sandysman outlined ... small hole (two pencil width) atop of Crownboard but the little beggers while they went up did not take it down in two weeks ... moved it off to Nucs ... but I did not bruise it - is this necessary?

Much obliged O-90 - v.clear. We were fearful of straining existing few nurse bees or loosing valuable brood but take your advce re 'emerging' ... nuff said - Thank you P

Near wipe out (negative 75%) this 'spring'. One non viable (numbers - no critical mass) Nuc with laying Queen but few brood. One advancing strong hive - If we take brood/shake in bees from strong colony to Nuc will the new arrivals attack/kill Queen? Should she be caged? :confused: Thanks...

Soapy water Concentrated Soapy (Washing Liquid) water sprayed directly onto bees - very quick finish. Had to last season and hope never to have to witness it again. With weather this season may not be an option as 50% gone (died) naturally and the remaining 50% likely casualties.

Apibioxal vapoured onto three hives - the volume of response variable. One very weak Nuc (possibly died out) excused treatment. Too cold to open up so fingers crossed they hold a critical mass to make the Spring and not join the ever expanding 'Winter Losses' roll call... Best wishes to all...

Similar in Wicklow Mts all four hives out and active but wooley socks tonight - varible weather... time for them to :smilie_bett:

Hi - Two queries arise: First concerns a regular National Nuc (dry lined – [radiator reflector material] for winter i.e.. internal walls and roof space.) Unlike Hives (OMF) it has a wooden floor (no roof vent) – For ventilation purposes is it to be recommended that we place matchstick/coins...

Great Response... Many thanks – Number of trains of thought. Oliver90 notion of Baldbrood sent us to the Books as we were not aware of it – Appears to be Moth or Queen (genetically) related. As the pattern is quite dense and not path like - can we discount moth? Will know for sure on Saturday...

We recently bought a Nuc (about three weeks ago). Very very slow to start but everyday sees more activity at the entrance, including orientation (small group). Today on weekly check we noted on one frame rows of cells with dead bees [look like full term]; heads just about protruding from each...

Spademan - Was it succesful each time? Some have told us they may kill queen in receiving hive.

Will do - much appreciated - Thank you

Hi Redwood thanks for info - any advice on how we might assist them in their endeavour?

Joseph - We did for three weeks in succession. Week three finaly got some Q cells but looks like to no avail - still only drone brood in super (perhaps an original trapped virgin). Big concern has moved from their survival to four weaker colony/Nucs survival - one under attack last 24 hours.