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Hey, Sorry if this is a silly question, but should I be leaving the varroa board off at this time? I got my nucleus a few weeks ago and put the board on a week later so I could check the mite count, but someone told me recently it's best to leave it off. If so, when should I replace it - at the...

Hi Grub, Thanks for your reply. So they would take the syrup down past the super frames into the brood box then? I hadn't realised they'd do that - I thought they'd just store it in the super. I'll remove the syrup tomorrow then as I don't want them to block up the brood box. Cheers!

Hi, I'm in a similar position to Mr B. I inspected my nucleus a couple of days ago and the bees have drawn out most of the frames in brood box and had started building comb up through the crown board and created some queen cups, so they obviously felt they needed more room. I added a super and...

I just got my bees a few weeks ago and since then a neighbour's cat (a bengal) finds them fascinating and lies right in front of the hive watching them. I shoo him away when I see him but he's riveted! He's obviously not been stung yet but surely it's only a matter of time...

I've recently started using this forum and have found most people very helpful and friendly. However, I would say that the set-up of the forum perhaps isn't ideal. I belong to several other forums (for different subjects) and the sub-catogories and varied menu lists mean that it's much easier...

Hi Mr B, Thanks for your reply. The Q is definitely safely in the hive as I saw her on one of the frames on Saturday when I did the weekly check. Perhaps it's because I don't have a landing board then; although when I watch them flying in and out I don't see any landing underneath.

Hi all, I got my nucleus of bees just over a week ago and all seems well so far. However, I've noticed that there is a small cluster of bees underneath the hive, clinging on to the outside of the mesh floor. There's been a little group there since day 1. I regularly help out at another beek's...

I'll go with the lifetime wood treatment too then. I much prefer the idea of something non-toxic - thanks v much for advice! :)

Thanks for the replies! I'll get a poultry drinker as well then, plus we're planning a small water feature so the bees will be spoilt for choice (and probably not use any of them!)

Another question! I'm confused about what to use as a wood preserver on a beehive as there seems to be conflicting info. Thorne recommends Cuprinol Clear as the only insecticide free product (BBKA leaflet suggest several Cuprinol products), but on Cuprinol's own site, it says that they've...

Hi all, I have a bird bath in the garden and will be getting bees soon. Will this be a suitable water source? Should I put a few stones in there or will the sloping sides be enough to stop them drowning in it? Also (this may be a silly question) do they mind sharing such a small area of water...

Thanks for the replies! I'll wear wellies from now on, as I don't want a repeat of last weekend where several bees managed to get inside my jeans leg and I got a few painful stings! I personally don't really want an all-in-one suit but I'll look into those bee trews too.

Hi there, I was just wondering what trousers should be worn whilst working with the bees? I have a tunic & veil but wear jeans at the moment. Also, some people have mentioned wearing wellies, but don't the bees find their way inside? Thanks

Yep, it's the budget one. I checked with the guy who ran my bee course and he said it looked fine. Do you think it may be a problem then?

Hi, So some people's Easy Bee queens seem to be doing well then...the EB queens are Carnolian (I googled it and that means from Slovenia). Maybe I should wait for a bit and see if anyone from my local BBKA has some available before committing to imported ones... I ordered a budget flat pack...

Hi all, I'm going to be a new beekeeper and have ordered hive and all essentials online which will arrive in 8 weeks. The question I have is where to get a nucleus of bees? I'm in South London. I've heard lots of horror stories about disreputable suppliers, and obviously want to try and get a...

Hi, thanks for your suggestions. There's a meeting in a couple of weeks at the LBKA so I'll definitely go along. I'll also PM those 2 members as it would be great to get started soon! :)

Hi there, I don't yet keep bees, but have been researching the practicalities of it and looking into courses. Unfortunately, a lot of the courses near me are fully booked and the earliest I can attend one is June. I was wondering if anyone knows of any apiaries are in SE London that I could...