Beekeepers should inspect hives for season ahead
Editorial Department • Published 12 Jan 2012 13:00
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Beekeepers all hope that they have fed their colonies adequately and that the bees have plenty of stores to see them through the winter, writes Ethel Irvine of Fermanagh Beekeepers Association.
She says that this winter has so far been very different from those of 2009 and 2010, with 2011 ending with pouring rain and gales. The low temperatures of the past two years meant that bees were not flying, they were in a tight winter cluster and the queen most probably had a period when she was not laying. These conditions led to low food consumption.
"In contrast, the end of 2011 saw bees heading out to collect pollen, especially from mahonia in our own garden, as soon as the temperature rose above 8°C, a sure sign that brood rearing was taking place and that stores in the hive were being used. We should all heft our hives to ascertain whether or not bees are short of food and, if in doubt, feed them fondant over the feed hole in the crown board.
"Temperatures are relatively high for the time of year and bees should be able to move to find the fondant. If the temperature drops then the fondant should be placed above the cluster, under the crown board. This demands that we have the fondant ready, flattened to fit underneath the crown board and with cling wrap on top. It is essential to work quickly but gently, to reduce disturbance to a minimum," she advised.
"We should also check under the roof for damp on the crown board which can be a result of the driving rain. This check can be done without disturbing the bees. It goes without saying that after every strong wind, the apiary should be visited to ensure that any damage done can be rectified as soon as possible.
"Now is the time to order any equipment which may be needed for the coming season. All supers and frames should be cleaned and left ready for new foundation, if necessary. It is always surprising how quickly colonies can build up in Spring and catch us unawares. Decide on a method of swarm control and have all extra brood boxes etc. ready for when they are required. Swarm control has to be done immediately the signs appear and there is no time for going shopping, begging from other beekeepers or cobbling together what is needed so have everything prepared.
"The Preliminary classes in beekeeping are beginning on Monday next, January 16 2012 at 7.30pm in the Enniskillen Campus of CAFRE. The tutor is Andrew Elliott and the course is aimed at anyone who is interested in taking up beekeeping or any beekeeper who wishes to learn more about bees.
"There will be seven sessions in the classroom and three practical sessions at the beehives in Fermanagh Association apiary when participants will handle the frames of bees and learn to recognise something of what is going on in the hive.
"There is a short and simple written paper and a practical examination at the hive and those who pass are awarded the Preliminary Certificate of bee husbandry from the Federation of Irish Beekeepers' Associations.
"There will also be an opportunity to join in all Fermanagh Beekeepers' Association activities. Joining this class comes with a warning - beekeeping is addictive! Anyone interested should contact Andrew on 028 66 348740. The Intermediate classes are well under way and resume in the College on Tuesday next, January 17 2012.
"The Ulster Beekeepers' Association 68th Annual Conference takes place in the Greenmount Campus of CAFRE on Friday and Saturday February 24 and 25.
"There will be two lecture rooms with talks running concurrently, workshops and the opportunities to visit book stalls and equipment sales. Speakers will come from around the British Isles and Germany. Further details and a booking form are available from the UBKA web site at www.ubka.org.
This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 12 Jan 12
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