R&DBKA

Autumn colours, shorter days, lower temperatures

Autumn in Hampshire has been mild and damp so far. The first frosts are likely this month. Bees are venturing out for the last of the forage when weather and daylight permit. We need to leave our hives in peace for the next few months. Bees will be clustering to retain heat so do not need to be disturbed. Remember to visit your apiary regularly to check that all is well, especially if it has been windy. A sturdy ratchet strap will hold hive parts together so, if a hive blows over, the bees will not be exposed to the elements. Review last season and reflect on things that you could have done better. Check stored equipment for damage and do something about it. Deal with wax that you have saved through the year. Check the Web for things to do, places to go, training to attend or watch. Catch up with some bee books, maybe? Learning never stops.

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