R&DBKA

It's mid-spring already

This is the traditional peak swarming month so bees must be checked carefully and regularly every week. Look out for sneakily-hidden queen cells! Swarms will be more likely after a few wet or cold days so when weather permits, check your bees for their swarm preparations such as queen cells or queen cups with royal jelly in the base - and make sure that your own swarm preparations are in order. Allow your bees plenty space by adding supers if there is a nectar flow. Spring has been slow and steady so far but it has been unduly dry here in the south. May is predicted to be unsettled so you should also check that your bees are not starving

Keep an eye on the weather:

• In spring the bees will use every warm, dry day to forage and build up colony strength. Cold or damp days can slow them down
• In summer the days are long but if it is too dry there will be a shortage of nectar; too wet, and they will be unable to forage
• In autumn the bees are consolidating. If it is warm, they will carry on rearing nrood and foraging. Cold weather will send them into a cluster
• In winter they will cluster to keep warm, but heavy rain may lead to damp conditions in the hive, strong wind can topple a hive that is not secure, snow can block the entrance

Click for the weather forecast for Romsey.
Check the forecast for the coming week to be ahead of your bees

We make no apology for repeating this message.
If you have not yet heard about the Asian hornet, please pause to read this.
It is not native to UK. It was introduced accidentally to the south of France and in a few short years it has bred, evolved and migrated throughout western Europe.

It is a predator with an insatiable appetite for insects. All of our native insect species are at risk but a colony of honey bees offers a feast. A colony of Asian hornets will eat their way through a hive of bees in a few days by 'hawking' in front of the entrance and picking the bees off as they come and go.
Please look out for this predator. It may be pretty but it is not welcome. In fact, it is NOTIFIABLE so if you see one, please refer to the the latest advice IMMEDIATELY