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Hi all, So, it seems my single hive has decided it's time to swarm. The swarm is in a tree about ten feet from the hive and are easily accessible. There is also a small "beard" of bees in the hive. A tap on the box tells me there are plenty of bees left inside. Now, this being still my first...

I watched an episode of QI the other day in which they posed the question of what animal has the same common name as its latin name. They could only find one - the Boa Constrictor. I humbly submitted that our friend, Varroa Destructor is another such example. Agree? Disagree? I'm no zoologist...

There's been mention on here of specifically trying to get some Ivy honey. It's really not clear to me, this being my first year and all, how close to the winter we go before tucking the bees up for the year. If I put an empty super on now (drawn out) when I would I be thinking about taking it...

I've a super whose foundation hasn't been drawn out. Is it likely that if I put it on now it will be drawn out this year, or am I putting too much drain on the ladies resources?

I've been advised twice now by local experienced beekeepers to get my (only) super off my (only) hive and extract it immediately, then treat for varroa right away. I suspect there is an element of "go away and stop bothering me" about this advice and in fact at least one of the advice givers has...

Hi, I recently bought a honey extractor from an experienced local beekeeper, which surely must prove I am an optimist (this is my first year keeping bees)! Our local beekeepers only meet regularly in the Winter and so my exposure to beekeepers and their experience has largely been this forum...

Hi all, I recently organised an epi-pen "just in case". (for those interested: I visited my GP who was obviously trying not to look as flummoxed as he was. After some stating of the obvious and due diligence to indemnify him from any repercussions should I inject it through my skull and...

Through my ignorance I've had my varroa floor in/closed (I now realise this isn't necessary) and have not been inspecting the floor regularly (double bad). I spotted a small amount of mould at the last inspection in between my super frames and my top board and cleaned it up, assuming it's...

I sense this may be one of those six-people-say-yes-and-half-a-dozen-people-say-no discussions, but for the first time today I saw wasps trying to get in my hive. This led me to think about wasp traps. I did a little reading and it seems the consensus is something like A few wasps are probably...

All my fault - stood too near the flight path, being nosey as to what was happening at the front of the hive (see other post) and sudden sharp pain on my hand. Looked down to see one of the girls attached to me for a moment and then fly off. Mixed feelings - sad that it was my fault that a bee...

What's the best time of day to perform a hive inspection? It would counter-intuitively seem best when the girls are busy foraging and engaged in other tasks that may distract them from defending the hive, despite the clouds of them coming and going, but (and maybe this is through inexperience)...

Hi all, Costco is selling 15x1Kg of Tate & Lyle granulated sugar for £10.89. I also priced up 25Kg sacks at Booker for £21, which is still beaten by the Costco offer. Neil.

So, I come on holiday to a "weird" place (Lithuania) to see what it's like. I arrive late at night, knowing nothing about the country and check into my hotel. The next day I venture out to explore. One of the first things I come across is..... A huge beekeeping shop! Literally about a minute...

Hi all, I've been a beekeeper now for exactly 7 days. I fed my colony when I unloaded them at my property and sited them, and left them to get their bearings. I'm pleased to say that they seem very happy and have clearly found a staggering amount of pollen judging by the size of the saddlebags...