What did you do in the Apiary today?

[Bakerbee]

Topped up feed.

 

[DaveG23]

Yesterday I removed the Apiguard trays from my two nucs and hive in my garden and fed all three. One bee managed to find the gap between my suit and shoes, later that evening I could hardly walk on that foot.

Cant complain too much, as when I went to feed the bees at my father in laws one of the hives took exception and when they came out to complain they decided that the two humans were not the threat, rather the 9 week old puppy who had followed us out unnoticed was the real threat. Poor little guy got a few stings and had quite a few bees stuck in his fur that we had to remove.

 

[Wingy]

Made last 2 kingspan jackets now all 3 hives have 50mm insulation all round & 100mm over the CB. All hives were still busy mid morning Making the most of HB lots of wasps on the ivy that’s just coming into flower but no bees on it yet

 

[Millet]

No brainer for millet to use apivar ...4x 65 miles
Fuel pays for strips

My lady friend lives there so i go there regardless of what i have to do.

 

[Millet]

Made last 2 kingspan jackets now all 3 hives have 50mm insulation all round & 100mm over the CB. All hives were still busy mid morning Making the most of HB lots of wasps on the ivy that’s just coming into flower but no bees on it yet

I got sick of lifting the cosy i made on and of... so i changed to Abelo Poly hives... i don't need to use the kingspan jackets any more..

 

[Swarm]

Did a count 24 hrs post vaping, drop ranged from 10 to 51 over 12 colonies. Found a dead drone outside one hive, bless him.

 

[deemann1]

Put insulation over crown board on hives today ,the bees are crazy busy at the moment bringing in the ivy I'm thinking on adding some supers now

 

[Erichalfbee]

Did a count 24 hrs post vaping, drop ranged from 10 to 51 over 12 colonies. Found a dead drone outside one hive, bless him.

It was those varroa that did him in

 

[Beefriendly]

Came across a very sad looking colony in a hedge today whilst out for a walk. The farmers hedge trimmer had ripped their nest apart there was comb with sealed brood and larvae all over the place. Guess it was a swarm that never made "the decision".

Returned with a nuc box, some empty frames with elastic bands and placed as much savable comb into the frames as as I could. It wasn't a lot. Bees were all over so left nuc in place and went back for it about 30 minutes ago. Every bee was inside. Brought back home and placed well away from garden hives and gave a good feed.
Last thing I needed was a fragile colony at this time of the year, at least they now have a fighting chance.

 

[Erichalfbee]

Last thing I needed was a fragile colony at this time of the year, at least they now have a fighting chance.

Good job too
We are all suckers for the underdog.
I saved a queen in a small swarm of fifty bees
Her colony gave me a super of honey and she is heading a decent sized colony into the winter.
Keep us in the loop.

 

[Goran]

I've been torn between obligations.. Bees suffered some, finally trimmed grass. If left such, shrews, mice, voles, etc.. most likely would do greater problems since I don't use mouse guards..
Have to do some emergency feeding even I left last crop to them ( mostly due to lack of time)..
Our cats enjoy a lot in indian summer..

 

[beeno]

Watched and smelt the Ivy flow which has finally began in earnest.

 

[masterBK]

Presumably bees in Croatia don't drift along the row of hives

 

[Madge]

...If left such, shrews, mice, voles, etc.. most likely would do greater problems since I don't use mouse guards...

Why don’t you use mouse guards, Goran?

 

[Goran]

I had no need for them since I start to beekeep ( never used). I just use the practice from my mentor and so far works.
I had in previous seasons odd appearing in few hives in September while was still warm enough for bees to be active, but later didn't try to enter.
At one apiary I have plenty of cats, on second I place mouse traps around and beneath the hives.
Winter look in a pics.

 

[Spikedog]

Syrup laying untouched

Checked yet again if one colony taking down Syrup – NOPE! Refuse to oblige. They are most definitely light and so syrup applied six days ago – trickled down into hive every second day -to an appreciative rush but no – not a single bee has climbed into the feeder (temp is fine). May have to put smaller feeder on or move to pollen/fondant. Ivy is out to significant interest shown by flies, wasps and other assorted critters but only a lukewarm appreciation by bees. A few colonies taking in some pollen… no hectic foraging. Syrup pot being taken out again!! Expletive, followed by expletive, bees!!!!!

 

[Hivemaker.]

Checked yet again if one colony taking down Syrup – NOPE! Refuse to oblige.

Often times there is an underlying problem with a colony that refuses to take down syrup.

 

[Erichalfbee]

I would be checking for nosema
I presume you have tackled varroa already?

 

[Swarm]

I've been torn between obligations.. Bees suffered some, finally trimmed grass. If left such, shrews, mice, voles, etc.. most likely would do greater problems since I don't use mouse guards..
Have to do some emergency feeding even I left last crop to them ( mostly due to lack of time)..
Our cats enjoy a lot in indian summer..

My time has been limited too, so much to do with the bees, rushing here and there, unfortunately I took my eye off the ball and paid a heavy price. Had to wait a while for a new pump for my Koi pond and was a bit worried but the fish were happy enough. Priorities all messed up, I should have done it straight away instead of putting it off and now I've lost them after twenty years.
Devastated isn't the word, I'm totally crushed.

 

[Beefriendly]

Presumably bees in Croatia don't drift along the row of hives

If they are your own bees why would you care if if they drift a bit?
All my hives are in rows with entrances in the same direction.
Can't say any drifting is noticeable.