Feeding Bees and Starvation

Possible reasons for winter losses!🐝

apiarymanager Bee Health, Feeding Bees and Starvation, Foul Brood Diseases, Hornets, Neonicotinoids, Nosema, PBKA, Pests, Varroa

We have had reports of significant Honey Bee losses this winter. This can be for a variety of reasons including starvation, queen failure, undiagnosed/untreated disease, mite infestation, pesticides and of course, inclement weather.

Beekeepers may find the attached from the NBU of interest and perhaps act as a timely reminder to keep their eye on the ball with such risks as Varroa and Nosema for example, which have faded into the background somewhat, with the looming threat of the Yellow Legged Hornet!

Hive check reminder!

apiarymanager Bee Health, Feeding Bees and Starvation, PBKA

Just to remind beekeepers everywhere to check their bees for stores (especially nucs), as we are coming into a high risk time for starvation and the queen will be getting in gear, which can result in the remaining winter stores being used up very quickly.

Personally, I always take the roof off to avoid getting a false impression of weight. So give your hives a heft and if needed, give them some fondant or candy (not liquid feed!).

Avoid the temptation to do full hive inspections until the temperature is at least 15°C on a calm day. A good indicator, is if you are comfortable outside wearing a T shirt. Any cooler and you risk chilling the brood. Early in the season when inspecting, I use the dummy board to cover the frames not being inspected, to help keep the warmth in!

Paul Eades

Chair

Stores check reminder!

apiarymanager Bee Health, Feeding Bees and Starvation, PBKA

The miserable weather has been making it difficult to get out since Christmas.

But just to remind beekeepers everywhere to try and check their bees for stores (especially nucs), as we are coming into a high risk time for starvation and the queen will be getting into gear, which can result in the remaining winter stores being used up.

Personally, I always take the roof off to avoid getting a false impression of weight, but I avoid taking the cover boards off and going into the hives, in case I chill the developing brood.

So give your hives a heft and if needed, give them some fondant or candy (not liquid feed!).