When are you going to do your first inspection?

Polyanwood · Mar 1, 2009

The bees are flying some days in most places in the UK it seems. When I lift the rooves to check they have fondant, mine are now frothing out and the hives smell nicely of honey again.

So when will people have a proper look? Someone said that at 16C that is warm enough, but without a thermometer when is that and it that right???

BKF Admin · Mar 1, 2009

I was told that when you can walk around the garden with short sleeves and it feels comfortable is the time.

Frisbee · Mar 1, 2009

It's 12c here (so my car tells me) Pleasantly sunny but probably too cool yet.
I'm going down to mine in a while to put a little more fonadant on. In one of my hives the queen stopped laying in the autumn - I was advised to leave it alone as it was probably too late to unite, so if the weather is suitably sunny when I get there I may sneek a quick peek at that one but other than that I'm leaving well alone for a few more weeks.

Frisbee

hedgerow pete · Mar 1, 2009

looked at mine today, when they are flying freely i think its ok

Bcrazy · Mar 1, 2009

Hi Polyanwood

I do not go by tempreture I go by what the bees are telling me.
If they are out and about and bringing in pollen then this time of year I will go through the hive where the bees are congrgating and not worry about the outer frames yet. A quick lift and see then back in, that's all there is to it at this time of year.
When the weather warms up and the bees are flying freely then I will carry out a correct inspection.

Regards;