Topical Tips
For March 2004
Do you have enough foundation for the coming season? If you have some clean wax then you could make your own using the Association's foundation press; or you could take the wax to Stoneleigh in April and trade it in for foundation - there are some excellent deals available.
Above all else - make sure that colonies have enough food. See tips for February on feeding.
Do not be in too much of a hurry to inspect your colonies. Chilling brood in the early part of the season will set colonies back and exacerbate chalk brood. If a hive feels heavy and there is pollen going in on fine days, then leave well alone unless the weather is warm and the wind light. Even then, work quickly and with as little smoke as possible - remember that the colony is trying to build up in time to gather your crop - do not hinder them!
If colonies have died out, provided that there is no sign of foul brood and the combs are worth saving, clean out any dead bees and then sterilise the combs with 80% acetic acid ready for later use. (I have acetic acid available if you need any).
Have you looked at your stored supers lately? Are they ready to use? What about the runners or castellations - now is a good time to fix any that are coming adrift. Are all the frames in good order?
Monitor varroa levels and make a decision whether or not spring treatment is necessary. I have checked three varroa floors during the past week and have only seen one mite - and the floors were last checked before Christmas!
Do not be in too much of a hurry to remove mouse guards - the bees will cluster on cold nights and mice will certainly take advantage and move in! Large lumps of wax outside usually means mouse inside.
Woodpeckers may also attack hives if we have any very cold weather, so leave the defences in place if they may be a problem.
Add a super to stronger colonies towards the end of the month so that they do not become too crowded. Lack of space at this stage is a factor in early swarming.
Peter Edwards 29/02/2004
