Wednesday, November 26, 2014

1st storm of the winter

The day before Thanksgiving and the weather has turned bad.  Earlier in the week it was into the 70's and the bees were out in great numbers collecting water for the winter.  All three hives buzzing up a storm.  Maybe that's what happened.

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Hives winter ready

Completed the last of the insulation today.  It is only 40 degrees and the bees are so toasty warm, they came out to forage but decided against it and went back in.

Late fall harvest

Today the temp is 45 and the bees in all three hives are active.  See no pollen coming in so I think they are storing up on water.  Insulation complete.  Had Bee Meetup last night, small turn-out and everyone is hoping for a surviving winter.  Got and gave several tips which will be useful.  A couple harvested to much honey, as when I said that the Langstroph hive needs at least 75 lbs. to winter over, several said they didn't leave that much.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Winter readiness

Today I began insulating the hives in prep for winter, which is suppose to be bad again this year.  I wrap them in 1" closed cell foam board from HD,   The bee's are very active, except the middle hive which is shaded by the Lilac bushes this time of year.  Will have to insulate that one next.