There is something about getting past the 21 December. The dark and dismal days will have past the halfway point. From a beekeeper’s perspective, the short days mean that no active bee work has to be done.
The autumn has slipped away and bees are – or should be – in their winter cluster, snuggled up to each other in a tight ball.
They remain in this state throughout the winter months, slowly moving inside the hive to maintain contact with their food stores. If one were to look inside the hive, the bees will be somewhat lethargic while in this winter cluster.
Guessing the quantity of food stores in a hive is something to be learned
The beekeeper should be vigilant as to the amount of food remaining in each hive. Should the need arise, small quantities of fondant can be slipped in over the bees without disturbing them.
Guessing the quantity of food stores in a hive is something to be learned.
One needs to practice this, starting in the autumn and making a mental note of the weight at each apiary visit.
Bees should have been given a good feed of sugar syrup in the autumn and will have been topped up with any ivy honey they might have stored.
In any event, if the hive is likely to run short of food, it is better to be safe than sorry and put on some fondant. Sugar syrup cannot be given during the winter.
Most beehives nowadays have open-mesh floors so it is important that airflow is prevented from escape through the roof above the bees.
The reason for this is that a draught is caused and bees cannot retain heat. Where solid floors are used, then a very slight airflow above the bees is necessary.
Respiration by bees produces a lot of water which could lead to the growth of undesirable pathogens.
The trouble with us beekeepers is that, like the bees in the winter cluster, we are slow moving
Hive stands should be used to keep beehives off the ground. Generally, 16” high is a good guide. These stands may be made from wood following a specific design but blocks or pallets may be substituted.
The wooden stand has folding legs making transport easy. These can be made up during the dark evenings along with other beekeeping equipment in readiness for next year.
The trouble with us beekeepers is that, like the bees in the winter cluster, we are slow moving, and less inclined to expend much energy beavering away in the workshop.
When the end of January is in sight, we start to energise and then our beekeeping plans begin to formalise.
Doing a bit of reading on bee topics is a good way to pass the winter evenings
For the next couple of months, check that food supply is maintained where needed, that hives are standing, dry and with roofs in place.
Should a fall of snow come and bury the hives, it is unlikely to do any harm. When it is all melted you will be pleasantly surprised that the bees did not need your help.
Doing a bit of reading on bee topics is a good way to pass the winter evenings. It can be tempting to use the internet for information on bees but you can’t beat a good authentic bee book.
I might add a caveat here and say, that if using the internet, rely on experienced beekeepers for guidance as to what sites have trustworthy information.
I wish all my readers a very happy new year.