Topical Tips
For February 2005
The mild winter has left some colonies short of stores due to early brood rearing (or even continuous brood rearing), so check hives and feed if they are light. Fondant can be used at any time, or small quantities of syrup can be fed using a contact feeder if the weather is reasonably mild. Do not give too much syrup in cold weather as this can do more harm than good; give just enough to keep them going until the weather improves.
If you have not yet cleaned up stored equipment ready for the coming season then do it now - time is running out and this may well be another very early season like 2002 - or it may not!
Try to establish the reason for any colony deaths - varroa, disease, starvation, drone-laying queen etc. Have a good look at the combs - the clues are usually all there. If you need help or advice ring me. If you suspect AFB or EFB seal the hive and seek advice, otherwise sterilise good comb by fumigating with 80% acetic acid and burn poor combs.
Peter Edwards 09/02/2005
