This is one of our winter observation hives, dedicated to studying the resilience of hive beetles. As you can see, extreme cold winters are not a problem. We've known this for years, but this year, we are conducting a comprehensive winter study.
Located in central United States, we experience harsh winters. We've already had our first freezing nights, yet the hive beetles remain unaffected. Do honey bees survive the harshest winters? Absolutely! Honey bees enable these highly invasive hive beetles to thrive even in the coldest environments. #honeybees #beekeeping #apiary
Today we’ve been rendering down beeswax.
To do this we slowly melt it in water in a slow cooker, when it cools the wax sets nicely on top of the water, we do this several times through a fine muslin cloth to make sure the wax is lovely and clean.
Planning your planting for next year? In our November issue, Prof Francis Ratnieks and Nicholas Balfour of LASI give some great tips and surprising findings based on their research.
Defra update 3.11.23
So far in 2023 there have been 71 nests found in 55 locations.
Kent
Following active operations in Tenterden, this week the NBU were able to locate a nest which has been destroyed.
The NBU is currently conducting enhanced monitoring throughout Kent
NEW POST
Hives of horror! Getting stung and not getting stung. How did the sting of bees evolve and why is it painful … and how often is it fatal?
https://t.co/WrKZKKUOZi
#beekeeping#stings#ouch#josephmerrick
Swarmtastic! The first swarms of the season and a timely (practical) lesson on why swarm control is important and how queen clipping helps.
https://t.co/Ckodg25wFU
#beekeeping#localhoney#swarms