web 2.0

Blog

Author: admin | Posted: 12-04-2011 | Category: Uncategorized

Hi all,

This blog inspired by a Q at

BeeSource Portland Loves Bees Forum

Here are my 2 cents re spring start up basics.

Pre note: Setting up bees well in the fall w lots of extra honey balanced w the total population of bees and ensuring they are clustering near to one edge of their winter stores is important. Meteorologists are predicting far more regular cold wet springs . . . conditions that in England in the 1910’s wiped out 90% of bees! And that was before post WW II chemical, huge mono-cropping – which has really added burdens to those sweet bees.

. . . but at THIS time of year.

Keep brood and bees as warm as possible. I use sugar-water moistened terry cloths over all but the few frames I’m working on - even if it’s in the 80’s - chilled brood can affect their behavioral abilities.

  • Try NOT using smoke anymore – 20% solution of skin so soft on the hands and face and/or lightly spray them with sugar water - leaves them much happier and they’ll move for it too - to shoo bees away for frame moving.

  • Keep bees very dry on the inside. Good tight roof w small – ½ x 2” slot on top for moisture venting – esp true of top bar hives with their long roof / walls line.

  • As an emgerg measure feed with sugar and the best pollen substitute you can get. And then this fall leave them lots of extra honey.

  • As weather finally turns keep an eye on queen laying behavior – and keep empty frames / older brood frames on top of newly laid ones.


    • sellwood-bee-talk1

    Shameless bee-promotion section:
    If you and ours want to learn more, I have a bee education programs here in Portland: Live HoneyBees . Offered are
    Be A Beekeeper
    [which includes catching a local healthy swarm for yourself ],
    Backyard Bee Talks and two PowerPoint presentations: More than a Bee Movie and Bond of Bees.

    Stuff we’re working on right now—lots of More than a Bee Movies in area libraries (click link for audience pics ),

    negotiating observation and near-by hives to schools in W Linn and Vancouver Wa.


    Clickhere to say hi anytime and let me know how I can help you.

    Click the “Share” link below to connect this through FaceBook, an email to friends or other social media. Thanks!

    Category: Uncategorized by admin

    2 Responses to “Blog”

    1. Pehmer, on August 9th, 2011 at 1:45 pm Said:

      Great One…

      I must say, its worth it! My link, http://cora11.vip-blog.com/,thanks haha…

    2. Daniel, on January 12th, 2012 at 6:53 am Said:

      Hi…

      http://www.webcamgirls4.com/...

    Leave a Reply