What did you do in the Apiary today?

[Do224]

Damn

That's one hell of an apiary mortality rate given it's only January 3rd. Half the colonies gone? Or am I misunderstanding the figures.

Three colonies left from an original eight. So five colonies have died, four of which were effectively nucs in full size boxes (albeit dummied down with insulation).

The three surviving colonies are all full size ones.

 

[Boston Bees]

Three colonies left from an original eight. So five colonies have died, four of which were effectively nucs in full size boxes (albeit dummied down with insulation).

The three surviving colonies are all full size ones.

Post mortem definitely worth doing.

If know its only your second year. If you can get an experienced local beekeeper to take a look at the deadouts just to see if there's something obvious that has caused this, that would be well worth doing.

 

[Do224]

Post mortem definitely worth doing.

If know its only your second year. If you can get an experienced local beekeeper to take a look at the deadouts just to see if there's something obvious that has caused this, that would be well worth doing.

I’ll take some pics. What do you need pics of...just some of the frames and close up of some dead bees?

The other chap has 60 hives dotted around so hopefully he’ll have a bit of an idea what’s happened when he looks at his

 

[Erichalfbee]

I’ll take some pics. What do you need pics of...just some of the frames and close up of some dead bees?

A few of the frames that had been brooded.

 

[Moobee]

Nice, no buds on mine yet but something has dug up large patches of them in both front and back gardens

Squirrels like eating crocus bulbs. Little b@ggers

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Squirrels like eating crocus bulbs. Little b@ggers

It gives them lead poisoning though unfortunately.
Or does around here.

 

[Moobee]

Quick heft and peek. One a bit light so added more fondant. Checked varroa boards, took a photo to count mites later and gave them all a good clean before putting back in. I found an old credit card is good for scraping the gunk off so that’s been added to my bee box.
Out of the three hives only one has a lot of uncapping activity. I only had one hive last winter so had nothing to compare it to. So interesting seeing the differences. This hive has also consumed the least amount of stores.

 

[Nannysbees]

Made 50 super frames and four super boxes. Will do every day that I can
And paid HMRC what I owe them

Wow how many hives do you have?

 

[Goran]

Squirrels like eating crocus bulbs. Little b@ggers

Our cats adore squirrels ( they are more furry rats to them)..

 

[Arfermo]

Our cats adore squirrels ( they are more furry rats to them)..

Wish my cat would do something about the hundreds of the buggers that seem to exist in the 3 1/2 acres of untended woodland behind my house. Owner next door nothing about them and I can't handle lead poison. Rotten shot try as I might.

 

[Goran]

Wish my cat would do something about the hundreds of the buggers that seem to exist in the 3 1/2 acres of untended woodland behind my house. Owner next door nothing about them and I can't handle lead poison. Rotten shot try as I might.

Our cats are surrounded with wilderness, they are mix of domestic and wild cats. They adore to hunt - they got it I believe from their wild side( whatever moves and they see it as weaker match). Of domestic cat they inherited adore to be petted and talked to, never scratch or bite us while playing with us. One tom cat is specially talkative and like to have dialogue for long..

 

[madasafish]

Wish my cat would do something about the hundreds of the buggers that seem to exist in the 3 1/2 acres of untended woodland behind my house. Owner next door nothing about them and I can't handle lead poison. Rotten shot try as I might.

My next door neighbour borrowed my trap and caught four - all humanely killed. As we live with nearby woods, that will a respite of about 6 months until the next offspring mature.

 

[Arfermo]

My next door neighbour borrowed my trap and caught four - all humanely killed. As we live with nearby woods, that will a respite of about 6 months until the next offspring mature.

Bought a trap several years ago but the little sods were too smart so got rid. Can't stand useless junk!!

 

[madasafish]

Bought a trap several years ago but the little sods were too smart so got rid. Can't stand useless junk!!

Peanuts work wonders.

 

[Erichalfbee]

We caught 8 in a few days here and haven’t seen a squirrel since. The Tawny box fell down and it was full of squirrel bedding. A new one is up and owls are staking out their claim already.

 

[Erichalfbee]

My next door neighbour borrowed my trap and caught four - all humanely killed. As we live with nearby woods, that will a respite of about 6 months until the next offspring mature.

I’m ok with that. We’ve stopped trapping for now but will get the new ones later in the year.

 

[Moobee]

My next door neighbour borrowed my trap and caught four - all humanely killed. As we live with nearby woods, that will a respite of about 6 months until the next offspring mature.

what's the best type of trap?

 

[Erichalfbee]

We use these

 

[Do224]

We caught 8 in a few days here and haven’t seen a squirrel since. The Tawny box fell down and it was full of squirrel bedding. A new one is up and owls are staking out their claim already.

I’ve had a tawny owl box up for a couple of years now but no takers (except the jackdaws). Any tips on how to attract some owls? The box is north facing and about 3 or 4 metres up.

 

[madasafish]

We use these View attachment 29769

same as ours. Very effective