Sunday, August 24, 2014

Nectar flow

For the last couple of weeks we've had a nectar flow here. This flow is a little later than the early August nectar flow that I'm told is typical for our region. I guess the flow was delayed by all the cold weather we've been having. The bees, and presumably the flowers, are really enjoying this warm spell now. There is a lot of activity at the hives now. I sure am glad we have a super on each hive, and I hope to see a bit of honey in them soon. Then I guess the plan is to remove the honey and treat the hives with Thymol to take on our mites.

We seem to be having something of a second spring: crocuses, magnolias, clover, along with plenty of buttercups and black-eyed susans.

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Need to treat

After two days we see about 20 mites in each hive, I guess we need to treat.

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Put in the mite boards

When I pulled the mite boards out last week, after three or four days in the hive, I counted 1 to 2 mites per square inch. These boards were put in just before the dusting. Surprisingly, the boards were not covered with powdered sugar.

I just basted now basted the boards in olive oil and slipped them into both hives at 7:15 PM tonight. We will see what the mite count looks like after three days with no powdered sugar.