Tag Archive for: apiary inspection

Weather: Has been very chilly at times and also very warm. Not much rain. Early season has been good for the bees.

Forage: Lots of trees in bloom, especially Blackthorn, Pear and Apple and Chesnut is just starting. Dandelion in bloom everywhere.

My inspections have been a bit sporadic and I’m only just starting to get into weekly inspections. Key activity so far has been to make sure colonies have enough space for brood and also storing nectar. I’ve also had early swarming signs and in fact manage to capture a prime swarm issuing from one of my own hives. I thought I had taken down al but 1 queen cell.

I’ve also managed to capture a swarm in my bait hive – I’d only put it up a couple days before and was surprised to find a reasonable size swarm take up residence – not my bees.

I seem to have a few bad tempered colonies, including one absolute nightmare, so plan on requeening these asap. Tried to start my queen rearing with the nicot system but the queen didn’t lay in the cups. I will try grafting over the next couple of days.