February in The Apiary

As I write this month’s update the snow is falling outside at a fair old pace. I can see why the bees stored more honey, and earlier than usual, in the brood nest.

I’ve kept bees for only eighteen years, but this year the amount of honey stored was very noticeable. I’ve asked other bee keepers in my area and further a field whether they had noted a similar pattern of behaviour and a vast majority had. The bees must have known that freezing weather was on the horizon and made up their minds to store up.

When March arrives I will feed my bees a 50 -50 syrup and water mix, just to help them on their way to the spring build up. The late Bert Hart, who first taught me the art of bee keeping, always did this. “They’re after the water more than anything” he would say. I can well remember visiting his home at that time of the year, and on entering the hall being confronted with boxes of 1lb honey jars with pin hole pierced lids full of this mixture. This top up can be a lifeline to some colonies who are just hanging on at this difficult time of the year.

Well this month I will be:

• Checking the hives for woodpecker damage.
• Are the mouse guards still on and not blocked.
• Heft the hives and feed if in doubt. A small feed of Ambrosia bee syrup can save that valuable Colony, but remember to only disturb the hive on a mild weather day.

Speak to you soon and good luck, remember we are always available at the shop to talk BEES.