Preparation for going away on holiday

[youngyoungs]

We're going to be going away on holiday during August and my hives will be unloved for about 2 and a half weeks. Currently they each consist of a Poly 14x12 brood box with a super on top (for feeding) as currently the colonies are not really strong enough for a super of frames. If I can't ask someone else to look at them whilst we're away - what preparations would you make?

 

[VEG]

pack case, sun tan lotion an off you go

 

[Meg]

I am generally with Veg - and enjoy yourself.

However, I would also say make sure your bees have a good 2 frames of stores (even if spread over several frames) in case the weather is a little inclement. If not, then give them a good gallon of feed to tide them over. If enough stores already and forecast changes, then a super over the crownboard with one hole open will give them space 'just in case' there is a miracle and they might need it.

Meg

 

[jackbee]

wouldn't it depend on how many frames they're on as to whether they might need a super within 2 weeks??

 

[Meg]

Yes, you are right Jackbee, but I for one was assuming a full brood box of drawn comb with bees covering most of them even if they are not all fukll of brood and stores. Bees often need the super for space well before they need it to draw comb and store nectar/honey.

Meg

 

[richardbees]

It's the safest month to leave bees to look after themselves - don't worry, just make sure your ice cubes are made from bottled water!

 

[ultreen1]

don't worry, just make sure your ice cubes are made from bottled water!

Lmao!

Especially if you're going to Egypt!

 

[Poly Hive]

A good fed before you go and put on a super of foundation or comb if you have it to make sure they have space as the weather is supposed to be drying of later in the "summer"

PH

 

[aberreef]

Stick a super on before you go. You'll be amazed how much a colony can grow in 2 weeks and by giving them room before they need it you'll be limiting the chance of them swarming. If adding the super does slow them a bit by cooling the colony a bit (too much room) they will still catch up

Oh, forgot to add to check through your hive before you go. It's a good nerve settler

 

[thedeaddiplomat]

In view of this summer's weather, might one suggest a few swimming lessons (for the bees, that is) before you set off?

 

[aberreef]

In view of this summer's weather, might one suggest a few swimming lessons (for the bees, that is) before you set off?

You could leave a bag of 'o' rings for them to use like rubber rings

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

The best advice my grandmother gave me was work out how many pairs of knickers you need plus two spares........ then take double

Hope this helps

 

[susbees]

It's the safest month to leave bees to look after themselves

Unless they are weak, fed, and you have unresolved hornet issues (lost two nucs in August due to these factors once).

 

[youngyoungs]

Brilliant thanks all, will get out my wetsuit and rubber ring. Then I'll be sorted whatever the weather throws at me.

As for the bees, it seems the best advice is to give them an extra super and leave them alone..........perhaps I should go away more often!

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

I work away two weeks in every four - just got to be thorough on the inspection before going and always leave enough room for expansion then hope for the best

 

[Hebeegeebee]

A good fed before you go and put on a super of foundation or comb if you have it to make sure they have space as the weather is supposed to be drying of later in the "summer"

PH

Unless you read the 'Express!

 

[Hebeegeebee]

The best advice my grandmother gave me was work out how many pairs of knickers you need plus two spares........ then take double

Hope this helps

I'm not that sort of boy!


Offshore it's generally rekoned that you can 4 days out of a pair of pants. (Front to back then inside out). Some think 5.

 

[Hebeegeebee]

A serious answer now.

I have generally taken supers off for August and am treating for varroa at that time. If I go away I put a bucket of feed on. They'll need it anyway before winter and I don't harvest (steal) honey after that date anyway. Anything after varroa treatment is for the bees. Bees are less likely to swarm in August if squashed in compared to May.

 

[Luminos]

This is turning into another pants thread...

 

[beebreeder]

The only thing I would add is to think about restricting the entrance down as we are in the time of year when the wasps are around and trying to get into hives