Wasp Queens

Checking fondant today around my apiaries I found over half a dozen wasp queen hibernating inside the roofs of hives! Needless to say they were all dealt with, crafty little beggars!!

Familiar Smell

There was a distinct aroma emanating from my hives today which leads me to believe that the Ivy is coming into flower. A late source for the bees

Unexpected Passenger

Traveling between sites today, laden with equipment being moved, I was shocked as a mouse ran along my side window sill and onto the dashboard! Not knowing how to react whilst driving I wound both front windows down; the mouse ran back onto my door sill and as I slowed, it jumped out!

WASPS!

The wasps are clearly more evident around the hive entrances today. I have already put mouse guards on to reduce the entrances and help the bees.

Melancholic Again

The realisation that the active season is all but over again leaves me sad. The season has gone and I seem to have been so busy with keeping things on an even keel that this time suddenly appears and slaps me right in the face! Mouse guards are on (to help reduce entrances against wasps for now) and its time to prepare for winter!!

What a difference...

One month on and the fondant is long gone; the supers are heaving under the weight of nectar pouring in! It seems the bees have found a source to work, and boy are they working it!!

Been Buzzy- Warning!

Apologies for the lack of blogging but I have been pre occupied with keeping my bees alive! In the middle of summer and having to feed stocks, due to the poor weather. This has to be a warning!! The climate is changing and the bees are suffering - and all thanks to mankind?!
DEFRA actually put out a warning of "Starvation Risk" which means it's not just me having a problem. Cautiously there does seem to be some income returning to the hives over the last week or so; lets hope it continues. To add to the optimism I have so far avoided any fatalities.