Topical Tips
For May 2004
The honey crop is now coming in (on fine days!), so you should have stopped treating for varroa. Strips, if used, should have been removed.
Make sure that colonies have sufficient space - brood and super (but do not over super).
Make sure that you have spare equipment ready for swarm control and have a plan ready for when you find queen cells.
Carry a skep at all times if you have out-apiaries.
Assuming reasonable weather, most of the winter rape honey should be in before the end of May, so you will probably need to start extracting before the next newsletter. Remember that combs do not have to be capped - if the honey will not shake out then it is ready to extract.
Peter Edwards 29/04/2004
