What did you do in the Apiary today?

[monarda]

Could you clarify. I've had loads especially in one colony. Perhaps you meant a bad year? That said, as problems go they seem to cause less damage and harm than many pests.

Hi there, I just meant there is a large increase of them in the hives-in the roofs and on the crown boards and increased droppings on inspection boards but no signs of any damage that I can see.

 

[Erichalfbee]

Hi there, I just meant there is a large increase of them in the hives-in the roofs and on the crown boards and increased droppings on inspection boards but no signs of any damage that I can see.

Increased droppings on the inspection board ?
Only if you leave feeder holes open
Then you’ll have earwig poo in your supers too

 

[Murox]

There's been lots around this year I've never seen so many earwigs what damage do they really cause ?

None really. Uninvited visitors to my hives include earwigs and woodlice, slugs, snails spiders and the dreaded wax moth. The bees usually just chase them away to the darker more distant recesses of the hive.
Earwigs like to live in moist, dark places and are effective predators of tiny insects like aphids. I suppose theoretically earwigs could predate on developing bee larvae and could potentially consume pollen and nectar provisions too; however the only time I have seen an earwig anywhere near brood is in a weak or dying hive. Bees usually just chase them off.

 

[monarda]

Increased droppings on the inspection board ?
Only if you leave feeder holes open
Then you’ll have earwig poo in your supers too

Guilty as charged but corrected yesterday as I placed my winter quilts on

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Could you clarify. I've had loads especially in one colony. Perhaps you meant a bad year? That said, as problems go they seem to cause less damage and harm than many pests.

There's been lots around this year I've never seen so many earwigs what damage do they really cause ?

[/QUOTE]

No damage, it seems that some are intolerant of any species apart from their precious bees.
Have loads of earwigs using crown boards as nurseries, and a few colonies of ants doing the same

 

[Erichalfbee]

I love the fauna under the roofs
Earwigs are always there but you find all sorts
Harvestmen and all kinds of spiders
Pupae of moths and butterflies
Even the odd hibernating queen wasp

 

[Curly green finger's]

Well that clarifies things jbm...
I've just spent three days in bed because of the flu...
Took a walk up to apiary1 and they are all very busy bringing in ivy pollen and nectar sat and watched them for a while ... how ever one is feeling the best medicine has got to be watching bee's .
Even if I was on my last legs I would want to watch active hives it's lightened my soul .. that and the sun on my face.. perfect.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Ivy going full blast at the moment around here too, we've had fantastic weather since Saturday and the bees have made full use of it tghe ivy around the home apiary has been buzzing with bees all day.
As for 'flu, I can't risk it nowadays, even a common cold is pretty incapacitating - I was first in the queue to get my jab two weeks ago.

 

[Curly green finger's]

Ivy going full blast at the moment around here too, we've had fantastic weather since Saturday and the bees have made full use of it tghe ivy around the home apiary has been buzzing with bees all day.
As for 'flu, I can't risk it nowadays, even a common cold is pretty incapacitating - I was first in the queue to get my jab two weeks ago.

Can't be good though having these jabs for the flu , I'm sure we'll end up the same way as antibiotics not working so well
Me and the bh and all the children don't have the flu vaccine.
Any way back to the bees I've hives huming so the children tell me.

 

[Erichalfbee]

Ivy going full blast at the moment around here too, we've had fantastic weather since Saturday and the bees have made full use of it tghe ivy around the home apiary has been buzzing with bees all day.
As for 'flu, I can't risk it nowadays, even a common cold is pretty incapacitating - I was first in the queue to get my jab two weeks ago.

Bees in ivy here too
Hive entrances look like summer
I must get my flu shot.
Herd immunity facilitated by people who do get vaccinated keeps irresponsible non vaxers and their children safe. But that’s for another thread in the cupboard under the stairs

 

[XYZ]

Not seeing much activity nowadays as I'm up before they are and home after they're all done!
Two weeks and I will be removing the Apitraz strips from the last colony...

 

[Curly green finger's]

Bees in ivy here too
Hive entrances look like summer
I must get my flu shot.
Herd immunity facilitated by people who do get vaccinated keeps irresponsible non vaxers and their children safe. But that’s for another thread in the cupboard under the stairs

Probably the best place for it !

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Can't be good though having these jabs

Better than death

 

[The Poot in Somerset]

Better than death

How do you know?

 

[Erichalfbee]

How do you know?

Certainly is better for nearest and dearest
The dead person is gone, loved ones remain

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Certainly is better for nearest and dearest
The dead person is gone, loved ones remain

Bit of a bummer if you peg it before finishing the book you've spent ages reading as well

 

[Beersmith]

Better than death

I reckon that I have only had true influenza three times in my entire life. It is a serious illness. The idea some people have that it is just like a bad cold is hopelessly wrong.

I was just 30 when I had my worst experience. After four days in bed I genuinely thought I might die. The next day I didn't care if I did die. Three weeks later I could still not climb a flight of stairs without feeling nauseous and breaking out into a cold sweat.

I'm with you. Flu jab every year without fail. Immunization does not cause diseases to become resistant. Smallpox has been completely eradicated globally and poliomyelitis all but and good riddance to both.

 

[madasafish]

On a very wet day, went to Association Apiary to remove feeders and check all set up Ok for winter..
No veils needed : umbrellas instead: jobs all done.. not a bee flying . 5C..

Route there and back had water running 10cms deep along roadsides and 50 -70cm deep puddles..at foot of hills...

Goretex and umbrellas work wonders..

Missed England beating All Blacks..:-(

 

[Erichalfbee]

No beekeeping today
Absolutely bucketing down
Water pouring out of neighbours field down into the garden.
Glued to the match

 

[enrico]

Rugby Rugby rugby Woo Hoo!
E