Title Photo: Snowdrops in full flower in a Woodland Glade
A month one would rather forget weather wise, if only we could.
After more rain and cold we had two lovely days later in the month which allowed the bees out on cleansing flights and the desperate search for fresh pollen.
But then it turned colder and wetter again so back into splendid isolation in their hives.
The weather folk are saying the month was warmer than usual for a normal February, whatever that is these days, but the rain storms, persistent rain for most of us, is just not helping bees or beekeepers.
The spring flowers the bees love to work for the early pollen are out in flower but they just cannot get to them yet.
This includes Snowdrops, Crocus and the early Prunus and Blackthorn.
Another month of maintenance and planning for the season ahead.
Next Month I’m going to discuss “Bait Hives” where we try to attract your own or passing swarms into a well placed hive in the Apiary or at home, and save you chasing either non existent swarms or inaccessible ones in trees or people’s homes.
If you have been unfortunate to lose hives this winter, my advice is to burn or recycle the old black coloured brood combs the bees have died on, sterilise the remaining combs which can then be used in your “Bait Hive” in April.
If you just leave the dead hive abandoned in your garden, firstly it may spread any diseases remaining as the live colonies Rob out the old combs and secondly mice or other vermin will find their way in, eat the honey and combs, then poo and wee all over them leaving a horrible mess which no passing respectable swarm will go anywhere near!
Nearly time to start monitoring for the Asian Hornet to see if it has reached our area yet.
A good time to get reading or watching the better quality films we have on this invasive species.
Asian Hornet meeting at LUDDINGTON Village Hall 6th March Fish and Chips included.