💔 Feeling the sting of winter losses?
You're not alone! At our March BCBA meeting, John conducted a survey. BCBA had a 43% response rate, with 16 out of 37 members participating. Unfortunately, several long-standing members did not provide their data, limiting the impact of our results.
Before Helene, the median and mode hive number per member was 3, indicating that our members are primarily hobbyists. Small apiaries can struggle with resources if a colony is in trouble, and some suggest having at least 4 colonies.
Winter loss data showed 6 members with zero losses and 6 members with over 40% losses.
Lewis Cauble and Willie Pascal have been hearing from many beekeepers who are wondering why their bees didn't make it through the winter. To help everyone out, we're sharing this video that addresses common issues and solutions. Check it out!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWtSbVXqO_Y
Before Helene, the median and mode hive number per member was 3, indicating that our members are primarily hobbyists. Small apiaries can struggle with resources if a colony is in trouble, and some suggest having at least 4 colonies.
Winter loss data showed 6 members with zero losses and 6 members with over 40% losses.
Lewis Cauble and Willie Pascal have been hearing from many beekeepers who are wondering why their bees didn't make it through the winter. To help everyone out, we're sharing this video that addresses common issues and solutions. Check it out!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWtSbVXqO_Y
🚀 Monthly Beekeeping Activities:
1. Protect your bees from pesticide use around power lines by calling Duke Power today! Request to be added to their "no-spray" list by dialing 800.777.9898 and asking to speak with a transmission vegetation specialist. 📞
2. In Western North Carolina, April is an important month for beekeeping as it marks the arrival of spring. Here are some key activities to focus on during this month:
2. In Western North Carolina, April is an important month for beekeeping as it marks the arrival of spring. Here are some key activities to focus on during this month:
- Hive Inspection: As daytime temperatures reach the upper 50s, it's a good time to inspect your hives. Check for the presence of the queen, brood patterns, and overall hive health. Look for signs of diseases or pests.
- Spring Cleaning: Clean the hive by removing any debris or dead bees. This helps maintain a healthy environment for the colony.
- Feeding: If necessary, provide supplemental feeding to ensure the bees have enough food as they start to forage. This can include sugar syrup or pollen patties.
- Varroa Mite Management: Begin testing and treatments for Varroa mites. This is crucial to prevent infestations that can harm the colony
- Adding Supers: As the colony grows, add supers to provide more space for honey storage. This helps prevent swarming and ensures the bees have enough room to expand.
- Planting Bee-Friendly Flowers: Planting flowers that bloom in spring can provide additional forage for your bees. This helps support their nutritional needs and promotes a healthy hive.