Happy new year to all of our beekeepers both old and new

[Patrick Laslett]

As an 'old' beekeeper who thinks he knows a bit about beekeeping (ha, ha) looking back on 2024 has been a bit of an eye opener for me. There is so much to learn!

Before I go any further I want to shout out to our beginners, some of whom don't as yet have any bees. Please don't let me put you off. There is a lot to learn - but thats half the fun!

So what about bald brood?

If you look up Bald Brood on the Internet you will find Dave Cushman's site explaining about bald brood and waxmoths. It is all OK - but it only goes so far. 
So what is it we are seeing when the capping is open but not in a straight line? They are open in patches and peppered randomly. It is not 'Bald Brood' as in wax moths.

A year ago you could have asked me that question and I couldn't have given you an answer. 
Now thanks Stephen Martin's collected research all is being revealed.

You can read the book “The Honey Bee Solution to Varroa.” - so no more about that here for now.

What I do want to say is how invaluable an experienced beekeeper can be to a beginner. Especially if you are a beginner looking for a strain of local mongrel bees to get you started.
Do shout out if you haven't found your beekeeper yet. And beekeepers don't be shy. I want to hear from you too - especially if you can help by providing bees for a beginner.

Do have a happy and prosperous year in 2025 - happy beekeeping!

Patrick