beeno
Queen Bee
- Joined
- Apr 25, 2011
- Messages
- 5,181
- Reaction score
- 234
- Location
- South East
- Hive Type
- National
- Number of Hives
- 5
Hi all,
Winter has arrived with a vengeange for us newbies who have not insulated our hives to any or a great extent in the belief that this is the right thing to do according to many experienced beeks. The insulation goes on in February to help the bees with early spring build-up once fresh pollen is available, so we are told.
I must admit, that rightly or wrongly, I feel that I am playing a waiting game in every cold snap to see if my hives survive despite my knowledge of the arguments for and against insulation. If I had insulated, then I probably would not feel this Angst, but this is not a valid reason for doing it in my opinion. However, this is my first wintering of bees, so with more year's of experience perhaps I will feel differently.
In the meantime, I can see that three of my colonies are alive by way of the thawing spot on the tin roofs above the cluster! Not today though as there is a 10cm covering of snow on them.
Put my ear to the hives and there is a low content hum. Have put the inspection trays in temporarily, because of the cold weather. Found some spots of syrup on the inspection board under the PH. No cappings so is this from the fondant? Thought it interesting that in a show of hands at our apiary meeting less than 3% had insulated their hives. Whilst someone had friends in London wrapping theirs in fleeces. Good recipe for attracting vermin?
The snow keeps falling and its very beautiful sceen. Best wishes for everyones bees overwintering successfully.
Winter has arrived with a vengeange for us newbies who have not insulated our hives to any or a great extent in the belief that this is the right thing to do according to many experienced beeks. The insulation goes on in February to help the bees with early spring build-up once fresh pollen is available, so we are told.
I must admit, that rightly or wrongly, I feel that I am playing a waiting game in every cold snap to see if my hives survive despite my knowledge of the arguments for and against insulation. If I had insulated, then I probably would not feel this Angst, but this is not a valid reason for doing it in my opinion. However, this is my first wintering of bees, so with more year's of experience perhaps I will feel differently.
In the meantime, I can see that three of my colonies are alive by way of the thawing spot on the tin roofs above the cluster! Not today though as there is a 10cm covering of snow on them.
Put my ear to the hives and there is a low content hum. Have put the inspection trays in temporarily, because of the cold weather. Found some spots of syrup on the inspection board under the PH. No cappings so is this from the fondant? Thought it interesting that in a show of hands at our apiary meeting less than 3% had insulated their hives. Whilst someone had friends in London wrapping theirs in fleeces. Good recipe for attracting vermin?
The snow keeps falling and its very beautiful sceen. Best wishes for everyones bees overwintering successfully.