Beekeeping

[CloverKnollFarms]

Checked my little VSH split today. Saw the queen and a couple frames of brood, larvae and eggs. They are still kicking, so I'm still praying they make it!

 

[ponytug]

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Finishing a couple new hives and getting stands on a new property!

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Damn squirrels chewed a hole through the back corner of a swarm trap that caught some bees a few weeks ago... So I'll have to temporarily patch it to get it home. This farm I swarm trap on, the squirrels are BRUTAL on these traps. I'm going to start using aluminum reinforced corners on the traps.

 

[Tpondel]

Does the Queen look diff than the worker bees?

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Does the Queen look diff than the worker bees?

Absolutely

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

My small 4 frame VSH nuc has fended off two robbing attempts successfully. I don’t know how considering their size. In 4 weeks they should be substantially stronger with two new generations of bees occupying the frames. We will finish the season at 9 colonies and be looking to add 6 more next year.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Just went and checked on them at lunch. They have moved into their new home. Towards the end of the week I'll do an inspection to see if there is a queen. I do not expect the queen to come out but it could be possible. Especially since they seem to have calmed down and there are literally none trying to get back into the tree.

View attachment 876957

How are the ladies?

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

These are aggressive squirrels

 

[LittleBittyBigJohn]

How are the ladies?

They are good. I did an inspection on them Friday and had eggs! We were there for half an hour or so and did not see a single bee come out of the bee escape either. My plan was to pick them up Friday night and seal up the hole. But... My neighbor had different plans.

We have a hay meadow, who's owners do not live on the property, across the road. When we were pulling in at home they were driving the field. He came whipping in my driveway after me and said he was there to give me a heads up that they were going to be spraying for army worms, since I had told him I have bees.

-I said, "thanks what day" -
-"right now, he's almost here"....
-I said well thanks but there is nothing I can do about the bees today. If you can wait until tomorrow I can get them pinned in and protected tonight...
-Nope, got worms, this is your heads up, bye.

So I wanted to wait for a rain before I brought the new hive home. So far my bees are fine but that doesn't mean their honey is not contaminated and they die off later...

 

[EddieWalker]

I used Hardie Backer Board on homes that the squirrels start eating through the wood. It's too heavy for what you are doing. I'm always amazed at how hard they will work at getting through the wood, and into an attic.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Building stands tonight. We caught another swarm this week. Up to 11 colonies, and two we will need to supply with honey for winter. My tool girl was hard at work.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Taking orders for 2025 hives... I may be very busy this fall/winter . Early retirement in September may be the start of a whole new adventure.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Squirrels chewed through an ALUMINUM ROOF on a trap. What in the hell!

 

[ponytug]

The crafty little devils! Sorry to hear it, but I'm not too surprised.

In my experience, that most grades of aluminum aren't much of a deterrent to squirrels, especially formable (bendable) grades/tempers of aluminum. They are just too soft.

Can I suggest switching to stainless, or covering the aluminum with stainless welded wire mesh?

All the best,

Peter

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Out at 5am to move two swarms from trees to stands. One is massive, you could hear the bees from 30' away, easily. The other is tiny, so I'm taking them to my nursery yard for special protection.

 

[Tpondel]

Not seeing a lot of activity at our hives. Do they slow down in the heat?

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Not seeing a lot of activity at our hives. Do they slow down in the heat?

Yes, and during a dearth.

 

[EddieWalker]

If you where to guess, how many bees are in the big swarm?

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

No idea. Haven't opened the box. I'll be moving them to a permanent hive soon.