The Bee Team adults are so pleased it is September... that means we get our young beekeepers back to help in the hives! Lots to do in the Autumn, so we can't wait to get busy with our new bee team next week!
Mrs Harper Mrs Gorst and I have been busy over the summer keeping an eye on the hives, making sure the bees had enough room to store the nectar and that they continue to be healthy and strong colonies. We have also started our 'winter feeding' which ensures our bees have enough stores, (food) to get them through the long Cumbrian winter.
We have also started the autumn treatment against the dreaded Varroa mite! Placing trays of a natural substance in the hives, which kill the mites... vital at this time of the year, as bees born now will be our 'winter bees' living a lot longer than our hard working summer bees, who only last the length of the summer holidays... 6 weeks! The winter bees will look after the Queen and keep the colony going all over the winter, so it is vital they are well fed and disease free.
Mrs Harper Mrs Gorst and I have been busy over the summer keeping an eye on the hives, making sure the bees had enough room to store the nectar and that they continue to be healthy and strong colonies. We have also started our 'winter feeding' which ensures our bees have enough stores, (food) to get them through the long Cumbrian winter.
We have also started the autumn treatment against the dreaded Varroa mite! Placing trays of a natural substance in the hives, which kill the mites... vital at this time of the year, as bees born now will be our 'winter bees' living a lot longer than our hard working summer bees, who only last the length of the summer holidays... 6 weeks! The winter bees will look after the Queen and keep the colony going all over the winter, so it is vital they are well fed and disease free.