Archive for the ‘Beehives’ Category


Your Bees Over the Winter

Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011

Well, winter is now approaching fast and we are sure to get some really cold and inclement weather before too long.  Now is the time to get out to your bees and make sure they are secure for the winter months.  Mouseguards should now be fixed.  If your beehives are sighted in a damp area it may be prudent to remove the entrance block completely before fitting the mouseguard.  Some beekeepers raise the crownboard using some match sticks in each corner to aid ventilation, this I have done in the passed and it worked very well.  Check for food stores and give extra if in need, preferably Invert Syrup or Fondant at this time.  Make sure your Hives are stable and tie down with rope if in an exposed area, failing that a heavy stone can be useful placed on the roof.  If woodpeckers have been trouble in the past hang some old CD’s near the hive, not near enough to bang against the sides, their movement in the wind can deter the birds etc.  If the problem is bad, then drape some bird netting, as the type used to protect fruit, over the hive making sure that the bees can find their way through should they take a flight.  Also make sure that there is a suitable container of water nearby as the bees will need to drink throughout the winter months.  A shallow container containing pebbles or small stones is good and helps to avoid the bees drowning.  Don’t forget to be watchful and vigilant over the winter months and check regularly as the Beehives can be blown over by the wind or knocked by other large animals.  Fortunately, here in the UK, Bears are not a problem so simple methods/deterrents will work fine.
I wish you good luck for the winter.  Should you have any other concerns, please leave a post and I will endeavor to answer your queries.

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Check your Beehives

Tuesday, December 29th, 2009

Now is an excellent time to check your hives for damage by the weather, vermin etc.
It’s also a good time to clean all your tools and equipment in readiness for the forthcoming season.

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