Gift time !

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Goat Guards

Goats are guarding the bee yard !  Not really, they are hoping for a handout !

A Buggy Visit

It was very warm yesterday for mid November.  I found this little guy on the porch.  We spent a few moments just looking at each other...LOL

Wheel Bug - Honeybee Predator

The Wheel Bug (Arilus cristatus) is a true bug that preys on soft bodied insects - most of which as considered to be pests.  Unfortunately, they also eat honeybees and this one was caught on top of one of my hives.  Bad Wheel Bug, Bad !  Their bite can be rather painful to you also so be careful !

Evening in the Bee Yard

Goodnight Bees,  Goodnight Moon.

Cleaning Your Smoker - a serious beekeeping tool.

I use natural local dry pine needles in my bee smokers.  Over the course of the season they can get quite grungy and the lids don't close well !

 

The top may get so clogged with soot that air flow is restricted or stopped completely.

First, I removed the grates from the bottom of the smoker and will set them aside.



















Using a propane torch I actually set the sooty residue on fire.  Being VERY careful of burns or fire !!

 

I repeatedly apply the torch to the congested area to get a good burn going.  This is hot people, be careful. Do not let the fire or torch come into contact with the wooden parts or plastic/leather bellows - or yourself.
 In a few minutes the flames will get lower as the resin is burned out of the soot.

You will notice the change of appearance.  We have some black residue still but also some white ash. Let this cool - let this cool - let this cool - get the picture !

 

You did let it cool right ?  Now take a hive tool or screw driver and scape the residue off.  It will flake away rather easily,

 

Be sure to clean well around the inside rim of the hood where it fits the body.

 

 

 Be sure to clean well around the outside of the smoker where the lid fits.

My Dadant smoker has a small hole in the bottom of the bellows.  It is notorious for getting clogged up and I have to take it off the smoker and clear the hole.

Ahh,, all I need now is a handful of dry pine needles, a match and a warm day to work bees !  :)



Drones in Fall ?

Bee Colonies have a reason for the things they do.  My role as beekeeper is to try to figure out when something is wrong that may threaten the viability of the colony. Drones (male bees) are kicked out of the hive in fall.  When I see one hive that is keeping drones when the others have evicted their males, I worry that this might be a sign of trouble even though things look ok.  It's a puzzle !  The bee in front is a worker..the bigger eyed drone is just behind.

Bringing in the last of fall pollen

We have had some frost and a light freeze. On this warm November day the bees are making those last flights and I see some dandelion pollen coming in...(see the bees with the little orange balls on their legs !)

Becoming a beekeeper ? Is it for you ?

Have you always wanted to try beekeeping ?  Maybe this is your time !  Winter is a good time to read up and get prepared for new bees in the Spring.  Most bee orders are actually placed in January for spring delivery.  In our area, local beekeeping associations hold classes in January/Febr
uary.  These classes are taught by experienced volunteers who donate their time free of charge so the cost for the student is low and the money raised goes to promote the local club.  Get started in beekeeping this year..who knows where it may lead ?









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Festival time

My dad ( a great helper) and I worked a local festival today.  We don't do this as much as we used to as the travel gets harder each year.  However, we love seeing repeat customers that means we are doing something right !  You can order a few items online if you missed us.

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