If you have followed all the tips so far this year, then there will be little to do this month except for the usual routine checks to see that all is well with your hives.

For those feeling energetic, cold fine autumn days are a good opportunity to tidy up the apiary and do any necessary pruning of trees and shrubs.

Wasps have been a serious problem in some apiaries this year and the sight of wasps hunting for insects in the last two weeks suggests either that some nests are still going strong, or that the mild autumn weather has persuaded some new queens to found nests instead of hibernating.  In that respect the first frost today is very welcome!

Frosty weather usually brings the first woodpecker attacks and mice will be looking for a warm home – make sure that your hives and stored equipment are properly protected.

You have removed varroa strips, haven’t you?  If not, do it now!

Peter Edwards 31/10/2006