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Beek nomenclature is just weird in general. I prefer thinking in terms of small (BS super) medium (BS brood) and large (BS 14x12). As such, brood is 1 medium = too small. 1 medium and 1 small = better size but 2 boxes and different size frames = hassle. 1 large = better size and only 1 box to...

Reading posts by Karol, which I am sure are accurate, doesn’t half come off as doomsday’s incarnate. If it’s not feeding frenzy, it’s zombie wasps coming back for a second season.

Of my first year I have yet to be stung. It’s a little disconcerting not knowing if i am allergic. I seem to recall a good many years ago stepping on a bee barefoot, which hurt to buggery. Alas, bring on next year.

I will be doing the OMF tray half in approach for this my first year. However, I have made a wooden tray not using the metal one for this precise reason. Having a metal thermal heat sink under the hive just seems insane. Didn’t read this anywhere it just made sense.

Personally I cannot stand oil finishes on wood. I took a risk and used sadolin outdoor varnish for the outsides of the lifts on my WBC hive. Doesn’t seem to have done the bees any harm. A Matt clear coat of varnish provides weather protection without changing the aesthetic of the wood. Don’t...

I know the feeling! I am going in one last time today because it’s a nice 19 degC sunny day, but that’s then it for the season.

Hah, I didn’t know the beek community were a paranoid lot! A couple of posts go missing and it’s a conspiracy.

Alternatively, bin petrol garden tools and invest in some new Li battery ones - no over-wintering needed :) 'Oh what, did i look at you funny so you arent going to start now? 10 pulls, 50?' - 2 stroke or 4, small petrol engines can go to hell!

I took some time out yesterday to get a few shots of my honey bees on my Dahlia's (Sarah Raven, Bishop's Chilsdren - from seed), which are loving them now most of the bumblebees have vacated and the season is closing. I look this single shot right at the end of a bumble, straight from the camera...

For the propolis, isopropyl alcohol. Amazing solvent, poorly understood, maplins used to sell it but easy enough to get online. Dissolves it right off. For the rest a scrub of thick bleach and water.

I had a few drowners when I started using mine but they seemed to get used to it. Occasionally see a few swimmers on their backs but they seem to manage to right themselves either using the cone or the cup wall itself - don’t know if size of bee makes a difference to this. The ribbed cone should...

Anybody suggesting wysteria? Goes nuts spreading, requires little care and offers 2 blooms :)

I am neither a lawyer nor an experienced beekeeper and I don’t entirely understand your question so please forgive my ignorance. As far as I am aware you don’t need a license to run an apiary, so what exactly is the bee group applying for? Are they already a registered charity or is this some...

As above, for damp proofing maybe, for heat retention an absolute waste of time. You could try combing it with an insulating liner such as ceramic fibre but take note my signature. If such a product doesn’t already exist it probably should.

New carniolan nuc end of june, first time beek. Bees seem to be doing well with the wbc entrance reducer closed, filled out a brood and most of a half. However, I had to abort a hive inspection yesterday because so many wasps were trying their luck with the hive open. As fascinating as it is...