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Entrance blocks only used during Autumn for wasps or robbing activities. All other times full width entrance.

Thanks Sorted out now. And no it wasn't to be used for a cheap way into beekeeping. It was for an ornamental display where someone I know is planting a bee friendly garden from scratch and the WBC was to enhance the appearance. Has decided to go for the one sold by Thornes. Peter

Hi Has anybody got the outer wbc lifts etc. Someone I know wants a couple as ornaments in their garden. Cheshire area. Thanks

I use nationals and overwinter on brood and half, sometimes with a super over (QE removed). Make sure they are treated, have sufficient stores and are strong with good young, healthy Winter bees. I dribble oxalic in the depths of Winter. Peter

I use it in the early Spring before any flow. It makes me feel better, I'm not sure about the bees? Also use autumn Apiguard and mid-winter oxalic. My routine for the last 5 years and bees seem to do well for me. No losses over that time due to varroa or effects of varroa (average of 30...

"compared to what? .. if the inside of the hive around the bees is below 20C, yes ,but if above 20C no" I'll change that to "just what MY bees ordered", in wooden non insulated nationals with mesh flooors. And thanks for the unnecessary head banger by the way.

Some good cold weather at last. Just what the bees ordered at this time of the year. Less stores being consumed.

Well done Cris. I have a regular customer who takes all of my excess and then re-distributes. Simple and easy. Peter

£2 a lb in 30lb tubs. That's what I sell for whether OSR or floral and it always sells. Some like rape honey and others don't. Someone this year had some for mead making and said it was better than floral for that purpose. I'm not that knowledgeable to know whether this is correct or not. Peter

That wonderful smell of pollen going into the hives all pervading the apiary as I approached today. Sat and watched as almost every bee returning had a full load of yellow pollen. Mine have never suffered any problems consuming the stores they put in at this time of the year. Listen but don't...

Just because there's no E&B and you can't see the queen doesn't mean there is no queen! Peter

Mine goes to shops at £3.25 a lb. This gives the shops a chance to make a reasonable margin but is still affordable for the public. Quality, presentation and reliability of supply is really important! Peter

Did well with the OSR but very poor with multifloral. Apiguard treatment one week to go at one site, two weeks to go at other site. No need to feed at all and, hopefully, a lot of clean Winter bees with the queens getting back into full lay after treatment. Get them into Winter strong with...

Around here jarred £3.25-£3.50 a lb to shops. £2 a lb in buckets. I gave up selling direct. Too much time spent.

I have always left the holes open in my cover boards whether on OMF or solid, and I do have both from inherited equipment. Also never insulated in any shape or form and always used wood. The bees do just fine. Maybe I'd get more bees earlier or more honey (not this year though!) if I changed but...

Double stainless steel sieve seems to do the trick. Make sure you get 2+ though then when one gets slowed up you can set a clean one to work. Peter

I've never managed a crop from field beans although I have acres of them in adjacent fields. Been told honey bees can't reach the nectar. Peter

My bees have been working the hawthorn around them. The smell of hawthorn in the colonies is very strong. This is the first time they've worked it in about six or seven years around me. Peter

Was just wondering if conditions around the Country are the same as around me. The colonies on the OSR are increasing in weight but the others (non OSR) I'm having to feed to keep them going. Is it the same everywhere? Peter

No smoke. Don't rush. Is there evidence of a queen? Big queens. Know where to look. Most importantly concentrate on looking for the queen. Practice. More times you find her the better you'll be at it. Peter