Newsletter April 2019

Posted on1st April 20191st April 2019AuthorJohn FarrowLeave a comment

Download the April 2019 newsletter in PDF format. Summary of contents: Asian Hornet Threat, Sussex University Workshops, Advantages of Top Read More …

Newsletter March 2019

Posted on1st March 20194th March 2019Authoradmin2 Comments

Summary of contents: Can foraging Spread Disease, Asian Hornets, Bee talk at Bessels Green Baptist Church. Download the March 2019 Read More …

Newsletter February 2019

Posted on1st February 201916th April 2019Authoradmin3 Comments

Summary of contents: Bee Diseases, Asian Hornet Update, Nucs Wanted, Pesticide Petition, Wasps and Disappearing Pollinators, Diary Dates. Download the Read More …

Notice Board.

Swarms: If you have a swarm of honeybees land in your garden, and they look like this:

go to our SWARM PAGE to check if in fact they are honeybees and to find a list of beekeepers who are prepared to collect them.

Next Apiary Meetings:

Hilbert Road: All meetings start at 2 – 4.00 pm and will be held on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of March through to June. 😎👍Check with Barry Chaseley or here for late cancellations due to weather.😂

Barrwood: All meetings start at 2 – 4.00 pm and will be held on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of March through to June. 😎👍Check with Cliff Hayward or here for late cancellations due to weather.😂

Our MEETINGS page gives more complete detail.

Website Editors:

John Farrow assisted by Sarah Rapley.

Site Visits since 1st Jan. 2019:

Tips for April.
 The colony should be growing very quickly now so food supply will need to be maintained. If the hives are light feed with syrup until forage becomes available.
 On a warm day remove the eke, entrance block and mouse guard if fitted. Check the floor, and clear or replace it with a clean one as necessary.
 Put on a queen excluder and at least one super to give space for the growing numbers.
If your bees can reach oil seed rape, they will start foraging on it towards the end of the month and will need storage space.
 If the weather is mild, regular brood box inspections can begin: every 14 days if the queen is clipped, every 7 days if she is not.
 Be vigilant. Swarming can begin in late April!
 Consider putting one or more ‘bait hives’ in the apiary to catch swarms. A nucleus box with old used comb is ideal and maybe lemon grass oil.
Tips for May.
 Begin thorough and regular inspections of the brood comb.
 Work old comb to the outside so that it can be removed and replaced. Old comb harbours disease and should be replaced systematically, as good practice. Aim to change one third of the frames each year.
 Place new frames and foundation either side of the brood nest to allow the queen to increase her nest size.
Congestion can cause swarming. If necessary remove outside frames, but ensure enough food and pollen remains. (Frames with food can be given back in the Autumn after storing in a freezer.)
 Check whether your bees are making honey from oil seed rape: if so remove and extract the supers as soon as they are full. (Oil Seed Rape honey will crystallise very quickly in the comb and become impossible to spin out.)
 Additional supers may now be required.

Remember most colonies don’t die from the cold, but more likely from damp or starvation.

Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells Beekeepers

A branch of the Kent Bee-Keepers Association

Category: Newsletters

Newsletter April 2019

Newsletter March 2019

Newsletter February 2019