Observations from beekeepers and Bee Inspectors across the UK suggest that some colonies of bees are becoming short of food. Please monitor your colonies throughout the coming months and feed as required to ensure your bees do not starve. A standard full size British National colony needs between 20-25 kg of stores to successfully overwinter. If they need feeding at this time then fondant should be used. This should be placed above the brood nest so that the bees are able to access it easily. For further information, please see the ‘Best Practice Guidance No. 7 – Feeding Bees Sugar’ on the following BeeBase Page: http://www.nationalbeeunit.com/index.cfm?pageid=167 It has also been observed that Varroa levels in some hives are starting to increase again. This may be due to a number of factors, but the exceptionally mild weather this autumn has encouraged some colonies to produce more brood than usual which has allowed an increase in mite reproduction. Please monitor mite levels and treat accordingly. For further information, please see the’ Managing Varroa’ Advisory leaflet on the following BeeBase Page: http://www.nationalbeeunit.com/index.cfm?pageid=167
When you mention ‘beekeeping’ people think of honey and the bees and maybe, after publicity in recent years, pollination, but you very rarely find someone, other than the odd wood-turner perhaps, who immediately thinks of beeswax.
Yet, if you keep bees you will inevitably acquire some beeswax. When we started beekeeping, within 2 years we had a 30lb honey bucket full of bits of brace-comb and frame scrapings, and then we had another bucket full of cappings, dripping with honey and some starting to ferment. What to do? We knew beeswax was precious but had no idea how to process and use it.
What we hope to do this evening is encourage those of you that have never cleaned up your beeswax scrapings, to have a go. And to give you all some ideas of things you can do with your beeswax for your own use, or to make wonderful gifts.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
We have been informed by the WBKA, of two separate incidents of hive thefts in the Carmarthen area in the last few months. This is a reminder for beekeepers to remain vigilant about the security of their apiaries. Also, please make sure that you do your best to check the source of any colonies that may be offered for sale in your area. The latest theft was of two Maisemore nucs, both with an added super. If you suspect that you have been offered either of these, please let us know and we will forward your concerns to the appropriate body.