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To treat or not to treat, that is the question…
8/31/2023 This is another play on a quote from Shakespeare, this time from Hamlet. It does point to one of the most contentious topic in beekeeping. Namely, bee treatment for the presence of the varroa mite. According to this website, “varroa mites have only been in the United States since the late 1980’s when they…
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Sunshine hive update…
8/12/2023 Between the two weeks of very high temperatures followed by what seemed two weeks of monsoonal like rain, it has been hard to check up on the bees. Last week between storms, we went down to the apiary to observe bee activity from the three hives. The hives that contain the swarms we trapped…
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Plans for the honey harvest…
The author recently attended a Serving Heroes National Conference and visited a container store to purchase equipment for honey harvesting. They acquired a container to hold honey frames and plan to use additional tools like a honey gate and strainer. However, they decided against a centrifugal honey extractor due to budget constraints.
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Plans for Year 2…
The bee season is ongoing, but planning for next year is in progress. The goal is to expand to 6 hives and 8 swarm boxes, requiring new frames, tops, bottoms, side pieces, and stands. Progress has begun with some frame parts already cut. Additionally, a new backstop for a metal sign has been created from…
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Homing swarm two…
7/14/2023 After a blissful 6 hour nap, it’s time get the bees into their hive. Normally, we look forward to this event, but after last night we are not sure of the disposition of the bees. It’s much cooler this morning and that helps. So we grab the smoker, some cutup burlap, and the lighter…
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Good idea, but…
7/13/2023 Just finished moving a swarm trap from Howard County to home. It is full of bees who are pretty upset. Originally, the plan was to move them yesterday the 12th, but severe weather keep us in for the night – mostly without power. The last few weeks we have talked to several people who…
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A Walk and Trap Inspection…
On 7/7/2023, with a clear schedule and pleasant weather, a walk along the Katy Trail was planned. Despite initial confusion and an extended 9-mile hike, the journey led to discovering active bee activity, with plans to retrieve the colony. The day concluded with a late lunch at the Meriwether Cafe and Bike Shop in Rocheport,…
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Swarm trap collection…
6/22/2023 Yesterday afternoon we rechecked the swarm trap in Callaway County and found it to be empty. Kind of disappointing, but that’s how it works. We were in contact with the family in Howard County off and on all week who confirmed bee activity at that trap. Last night, I had an American Legion meeting…
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Sunshine Hive inspection…
On Tuesday, Linda and I inspected the Sunshine Hive to assess population levels, honey and brood. The hive had a good population, more honey frames than expected, and slightly low brood levels. The bees’ temperament seemed normal, with no signs of being queenless. We also captured new comb growth in pictures.
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The Bench…
The beloved bench, crafted by the author’s brother 30 years ago, has been a cherished fixture in their lives. Originally used by the author’s children and then by Linda, it now serves as a spot for enjoying a guessing game with their grandson. Recently moved to the apiary, it remains well-loved and well-used.