Bee Inspector Arrives Today!!

[TJSnapper]

As the title suggests, we have the inspector arriving this afternoon. TO be honest, I am really looking forward to getting his opinion and gleaning as much knowledge form him as possible. I know we have a VM problem in one hive that will probably be no more after today but for a new comer to beekeeping I am sure it will be an eye opener.

 

[Monsieur Abeille]

Lucky you - it was definitely one of the better experiences I had in my first year. They are both knowledgeable and helpful. Looking forward to my next inspection.

 

[kazmcc]

We got our bees from the bee inspector, I'd love him to come down and see how we are doing.....not just yet though lol, just wait until Awesome Madge is laying the most perfect eggs, then he can come

 

[Moggs]

Kaz - double yolks?

 

[kazmcc]

Kaz - double yolks?

I will accept no less

Good luck TJS. Hope you learn lots and your bees are doing well

 

[TJSnapper]

Thanks guys, I will let you al know how things go, am getting the vid ready as well, (i say vid, i mean a small p&s with video function...), so hopefully be able to cobble something together with his permission....

 

[susbees]

I will accept no less

Good luck TJS. Hope you learn lots and your bees are doing well

Humph....our "confused" hive is making king cells. And one was sealed yesterday containing two larvae of differing ages. Yes, really.

Beat that if you can

 

[TJSnapper]

Thanks for the comments, the inspector came and went in about 45 mins but learnt a lot. Clearly lots of Varroa about but interesting to see a couple of cells, one with sac brood and a couple with bald brood. My Dad's problem hive is a drone laying worker issue so we will be sorted by dumping the bees on the floor in front of the hives and letting them sort themselves out. I think we have made the usual rookie mistake of keeping too many supers on the hives. Wen we got the hives, the supers were full of OSR honey which we extracted and duly put the supers back onto the hives. This was not necessary as all the hives swarmed soon after moving, even though we tried to remove all QC, and we now have to build up the brood chambers again. The good news is that the Bee Inspector put me in touch with another association that has weekly meetings at a small out apiary, as opposed to another I am a member of, who seem to have one a month, which always coincides with work.... So I will be getting to see more hives and to more experienced beekeepers a well.

Ps One of last year's queens is still about in one hive but the others have new queens from this year. Next step is to try and mark them now that they are laying strongly.....

 

[kazmcc]

I want a visit now! In fact, I want to be a bee inspector. What a job huh? lol

Susbees.....so they really do double yolk then sometimes?! Lol at confused hive. Poor confused bees

 

[ElectricBlueBee]

I'm getting my first visit tomorrow! Gets me out of choir practice.

It's come at a good time as this is my first hive and they've suddenly decided to wake up and multiply so i'm getting nervous i'm missing stuff whilst i'm going "ooooh bees"

 

[johncorne]

Out of interest, how do the BIs choose their victims?

Jc

 

[Juststarting]

Bee inspector has just left after checking mine - All clear which is great as we were on edge of EFB area. Great service and very reasurring to have more experienced eye confirm we were clear. Also checking on queens I'd imported so again good to see follow up inspections are being done, and reassuring to know I had healthy bees.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

My bee inspector is going to contact me next week for a visit the week after - his policy is to inspect all new beekeepers in the first season and then re-visit a couple of years hence.
Met him in a BKA meeting last month seems like a decent chap.
Sounds weird but I'm a bit apprehensive and also looking forward to it!!

 

[Skyhook]

. The good news is that the Bee Inspector put me in touch with another association that has weekly meetings at a small out apiary, as opposed to another I am a member of, who seem to have one a month, which always coincides with work.... So I will be getting to see more hives and to more experienced beekeepers a well.
.....

PM sent

 

[TJSnapper]

Thanks Skyhook.

 

[beestie]

Never had an inspection, don't know who my local inspector is. Do you get told, or do you have to ask? Sounds like a good and very worthwhile experience (prob a pain in the xxx for the inspector). I know I registered a few years ago, but can't remember how or where
I'm probably 'off the radar' with just a few hives, but would value the advice from bee plod. Any suggestions?

 

[Silly Bee]

Never had an inspection, don't know who my local inspector is. Do you get told, or do you have to ask? Sounds like a good and very worthwhile experience (prob a pain in the xxx for the inspector). I know I registered a few years ago, but can't remember how or where
I'm probably 'off the radar' with just a few hives, but would value the advice from bee plod. Any suggestions?

Register on "BeeBase" (Run by Defra) its free, and it will tell you who your local inspector is. They will also contact you if there is a problem in your area.

 

[rink123]

Wow That Was Great Reading Thx lots of info there . I just wish I had some bees to look at

 

[TJSnapper]

Beestie, we phoned him as our mentor was a little worried about som sac brood in a few cells, initially the mentor thought it might be EFB so we put the call in, however after bashing through the books, we came to the conclusion that it was sac brood bee inspector was happy to come anyway to check. Your local bka should be able to point you in the right direction.

 

[Silly Bee]

Wow That Was Great Reading Thx lots of info there . I just wish I had some bees to look at

Draw up a chair, bring a cup, we have tea and biscuits at 11 O'clock, (weather permitting every day)

The alottment has a great selection of weeds, sorry, Flowers growing in the wrong place.