What tip have you learnt this year

[enrico]

Check your veil before you zip your face into it to make sure there are no bees inside it. They seem to get angry when they realise they are trapped in your hood with only your face to vent their anger on!
E

 

[garlicpickle]

That dropping a super full of bees really, really upsets them.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Where IS Dusty?

I think he's still in Cyprus at a conference - apparently since he retired as president of the loony doctor society he's in more demand than ever so he's doing a few extra talks over there (he muttered something about gaining a lot of new case material at the forum or somewhere, didn't realise he'd been to Pompeii this year!!). Should have got in touch with Norton as he's out in sunnier climes!

 

[itma]

I recently bought an LED torch from Sainsbury filling station.
Like this..

but it was only £3.99

http://shop.telegraph.co.uk/aa-a146/cat-aga/homewares/homeware-accessories/lighting/

Tip. Try Aldi.
2x LED torches plus (red - for night vision and bees) head torch -- TOTAL £4.99
https://www.aldi.co.uk/en/specialbu.../product-detail/ps/p/torch-and-headlight-set/
Now.

 

[ianorsven]

1. How to calculate weight of hive using electronic luggage scales, courtesy of Itma, Amari and MJBee - cheers! Tried it today on all three hives and pleased with calculated stores of 19 kg/42lb in two hives and 17.2kg/38lb in the third. Have a clear crownboard on this hive and will keep an eye on them (literally and through weighing)) re. need to feed in mid-winter.

2. Insulating hives with 50mm polystyrene cut to size and wrapped in metalic tape (all Kingspan gone from W**kes when I went to buy so resorted to DIY!) - again, courtesy of many on this forum.

There is some excellent advice here. (Some bull too!)

 

[keith pierce]

managing a 100 stocks of bees on your own = stress and not a hobby.

 

[REDWOOD]

if you want a dam good torch you want beet this one for price
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/7W-CREE-L...ing_LightsLanternsTorches&hash=item2c5a5f95ad

 

[TryingToLetThemBee]

Learn to love the smell of Thymol, and teach your bees the same. S/HWMBO? Good luck!

 

[sharonh]

Fixing wind fabric around hive stand to stop bees undershooting hive.
Never to squash wasps around hives as will bring more wasps.

 

[user 6228]

one of the best keeping tools is a white bed sheet

 

[YorkshireBees]

Bulk buying honey buckets in the sale was the best thing I did, nearly used everyone this year!

Keeping large colonies from swarming may not be easy but can lead to large honey crops!

Finally, don't be worried about entering your first honey show, you never know what might happen!!!!!

 

[itma]

...
Finally, don't be worried about entering your first honey show, you never know what might happen!!!!!

Yes, there is that too.

 

[Dave /Oscroft]

tip

Take the Porter bee escape out before putting a feeder on top !
Dave W

 

[margob99]

When putting Apiguard in top of hive, and needing to feed at the same time, use the QX instead of a crownboard.

 

[Dusty Rhodes]

Where IS Dusty?

I think he's still in Cyprus at a conference - apparently since he retired as president of the loony doctor society he's in more demand than ever so he's doing a few extra talks over there (he muttered something about gaining a lot of new case material at the forum or somewhere, didn't realise he'd been to Pompeii this year!!).

Just noticed this exchange from a couple of weeks ago.

I've been brushing up my exorcism skills recently.
Might need to practice here.

And I'm not referring to the ever-fragrant ericA.

Dusty