This month we have been able to get out with the bees! In the warm weather we experienced in the middle of the month, we were able to carry out the first inspection of the year. The results were pleasantly surprising, with many colonies doing better than expected, given the terrible weather we’ve had so far this year.

Last month, we treated with Apivar.  In the last four weeks, we have seen a steady mite drop. Apivar is a longer treatment process than some others but it does hit the mites at all stages in their breeding cycle during the weeks it is in the hive, which gives a lower mite drop in the first instance but a larger mite drop over all.

We plan to feed with syrup shortly as the temperatures are predicted to rise, which will give the bees a boost as their colonies increase in size. There are quite a few drones appearing at the moment and with some of the larger colonies expanding rapidly, we are keeping a close eye out for the first signs of swarming!