Bee Newsletter

2 November 2021

I'm stuck inside due to light rain. Feeder jars are full and ready to put on the hives. Can't do it!

Okay, some good news. Today is 25 October. Last week the bees started taking in the pollen substitute from the field feeder. Just like last year they are "attacking" the pollen. Consuming about ½ a cup a day. That is with 16 hives working.

Syrup consumption is about a gallon per week per colony.

Mites appear to be under control. I am going to treat one more time before Thanksgiving. Sooner than later.

I will do one more "tear down the hive inspection" to ascertain the status of the queen. Is she still laying eggs or not?

There is not much to do for the rest of this year. The bees will either live or die. I can not improve their situation as long as they have stored food and have been treated for mites.

All of my hives are showing Carniolain traits. Darkish brown. All the 10 new package queens are doing well. I did not split any hive to nucs. So, no colonies have been short on worker bees all summer long.

My really mean hive which collected the most honey, calmed down with the cool weather.

I am following last years fall management practices to document how close I am to being correct. Last year I got 6 out of 12 colonies through the winter.

My bet is on the more pollen the bees store in the fall the better chance of survival