R&DBKA

Have you done a health check yet?

The last few weeks of an otherwise disappointing spring have been very warm and dry, with an above-average level of swarming, so weekly checks are still needed for signs of swarming. Oilseed rape, top fruit and hawthorn blossom have been abundant, so keep a watch for the June Gap this year, and check stores in your colonies carefully. Make sure that your bees have enough honey to last at least until the next inspection - and top them up with syrup (1kg granulated sugar per 1 litre water) if in doubt. Not too much - you don't want them to store it. Make sure you do a Varroa count - check the Beebase website for a Varroa calculator and advice. You should have undertaken a full health check by now - shake ALL the bees off each brood frame and check every cell for signs of foul broods and other diseases. The Beesbase website tells you how to do this and what to look for

Keep an eye on the weather:

• In spring the bees will use every warm, dry day to forage and build up colony strength. Cold or damp days can slow them down
• In summer the days are long but if it is too dry there will be a shortage of nectar; too wet, and they will be unable to forage
• In autumn the bees are consolidating. If it is warm, they will carry on rearing nrood and foraging. Cold weather will send them into a cluster
• In winter they will cluster to keep warm, but heavy rain may lead to damp conditions in the hive, strong wind can topple a hive that is not secure, snow can block the entrance

Click for the weather forecast for Romsey.
Check the forecast for the coming week to be ahead of your bees

We make no apology for repeating this message.
If you have not yet heard about the Asian hornet, please pause to read this.
It is not native to UK. It was introduced accidentally to the south of France and in a few short years it has bred, evolved and migrated throughout western Europe.

It is a predator with an insatiable appetite for insects. All of our native insect species are at risk but a colony of honey bees offers a feast. A colony of Asian hornets will eat their way through a hive of bees in a few days by 'hawking' in front of the entrance and picking the bees off as they come and go.
Please look out for this predator. It may be pretty but it is not welcome. In fact, it is NOTIFIABLE so if you see one, please refer to the the latest advice IMMEDIATELY