Hello Beekeepers........Sure miss seeing you ALL!
We have recently applied our second application of mite treatment at the apiary and I'm happy to report that although we did not get to utilize the apiary this spring and summer the way we had hoped and planned, the bees are doing well, bringing in resources and prepping for winter......
As we start to get some fall crispness in the air, we are also getting some much-needed rain. And, with the next day or so offering fairly poor working conditions in the bee yard, I thought you might enjoy a short read when you enjoy your next cup of coffee!
Also, as a reminder, if you have not already conducted your sugar shakes or alcohol washes to determine the number of mites in your colonies, now is the time to do so. With the current temperatures, we have more treatment options and mite counts are likely the highest now that they have been all year. So, get your counts, determine your method of treatment (and remember not to repeatedly use the same product) and get it on there so your "fat bees" have a fighting chance to make it through the fast-approaching fall and winter.
Have a great, cool, upcoming weekend.
Terry