Search results

Come to London, Finman, and watch the eighth wonder of the world!

Regret to pour water on the idea, but this cannot be confirmed nor benefit gained; just as likely to be a beginner's imported Buckfast.

Bees are often confused during such upheavals and sort themselves out by the next day. Cold weather will have prevented movement this week, and in these situations I collect and put them in the box feeder (used as a CB), so they can warm up and go down.

Lancashire has 12C for a week, but the peak will be noon to mid-pm. Don't worry too much about a situation which cannot be delayed further, but prepare & position the kit so that the transfer is smooth.

Historic mouse damage, and yes, bung it in. If it still smells of mouse, run it under a tap or shower.

Probably took the rest and left one to collect the stray flyers, and forgot (or was unable) to return to collect it. Yes, no action without permisssion.

Yes, did this yesterday to a DBB colony in swarm mode; coudn't find the queen, but put into a new bottom box 2 of BIAS, and as the weather had turned, one each of of pollen and honey. The rest of the 2 BBs went up top over a split board and rear entrance. All QCs removed, nest closed up and...

Yes, 22/kg, but not the runny stinking foulness found in an old bucket. Anything over 19% is liable to ferment, and although the law states that 20% is the boundary (23% for ling heather) I don't want a customer returning after a couple of months and complaining; happened a few years ago, and...

Yes, twigs stuck between end wall and end frame will stop movement. Direction of frames in line with direction of travel: provided twigs are fitted I load the boxes either way. Travel screens and/or good ventilation are more important.

Why is the tray fitted? Are you checking the varroa drop?

It is rare that paint would be removed or worn completely, and you should be able to see a thin ring which is the edge of the blob.

Not my department, Phil. JBM knows the ins and outs of Demaree, and will be along to advise. My comment about uniting just before the main flow referred to a vertical split: take out a Q+nuc from one of the splits and unite the rest with newspaper.

Next time, overwinter on one 14x12: two is way too much and the bottom box will always turn out mouldy or slugged. Thermoregulation is key, and achieved best by cramming into one than spreading across two.

What's the answer, Matt? Is the box a nuc or BB, and what does it look like inside?

Had a brief check before emptying them out, but wasn't too bothered. One had tiddly EQCs and sealed brood, the other nothing. My belief is that a duff queen at a Q+ entrance would not get past the bouncers.

Temp. can drop & rain arrive too quickly at this time of year for that to be the kindest method. Yes, they're older bees with a limited life but they can still support a smaller colony to build, by covering brood and giving warmth. Yesterday I found a Q- nuc and a small Q- colony; clearly...

Nooo! Don't tell him! :)

This, especially, and given to another nuc & a colony. If I'd left the big nucs a few more days they'd be in swarm mode. Also chucked out two Q- nucs onto a board up to the entrance of a Q+ slower nuc; hairdryer hum was good to hear. Rained, and they really told me to go away, but I got it done.

Unless a restaurant prefers to pay properly for local quality, they will buy the cheapest Chinese. We must get out of the habit of referring to weight of honey in pounds; the retail industry and consumers work in kg. and we should go with it.

I charge the same for a kg. of Bakers'. :)