Cool Idea

apiarymanager Bee Health

What is the temperature in in your hive?  Bees need it to be 35c (95f) to successfully raise brood and over winter a temperature of at least 20c (68f) is evidence that the cluster is alive.  Opening the hive is one way of checking but obviously at the expense of losing heat.

Cool Bees, a new venture dedicated to innovations in beekeeping has just been launched.  Look out for the full page advertorial in January’s edition of BeeCraft Magazine.

One of their (only two at the moment) offerings is a thermometer originally designed for use in an aquarium so the sensor and cable are waterproof and can be placed in the centre of the brood area with the lcd display protected from the elements on the outside of the hive fed by the cable running through the hive entrance.  Cool Bees price is £4.98 plus £1.00 p&p which is good value as we have looked for this product elsewhere and it is available from an Amazon reseller for £4.99 plus £1.98 shipping.

With a maximum temperature reading of 70c  This would also be useful for use in a warming cabinet when checking for a temperature of around 45c.

You can see the BeeTemp Digital Beehive Thermometer by following this link.

So, here it is, 2012!

apiarymanager PBKA

The days are getting longer and the mild, wet, weather continues.  In a few weeks the queens will start increasing their laying rate in anticipation of spring.

We hope you have made a resolution to join Pembrokeshire Beekeepers’ Association this year.  Memberships are now due and existing members should have received a reminder.  But for new members, or if you have mislaid the form you were sent among the Christmas wrapping paper, the membership form can be downloaded for for completion.  (We are unable to provide electronic enrolment form or payment by credit/debit cards or PayPal so please don’t ask.)

A reminder that our AGM will take place on Thursday January 19th commencing at 7.30 pm at Haverfordwest Cricket Club (map).  Following the business of the AGM, which will get out of the way as quickly as possible, we are delighted that Frank Gellatly, the Regional Bee Inspector for Wales, will be giving us a talk on lessons from 2011 and points to watch for 2012.  Whether you are an experienced beekeeper or a novice, or even just thinking about beekeeping, this should be of interest to you.  Do come and provide a good audience for Frank.

Best wishes for 2012 on behalf of the Committee.