kelley bee news issue 40 • october 2013 modern...

Kelley Bee News

Modern BeekeepingISSUE 40 • OCTOBER 2013

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2 The Buzz3 WalterT.KelleyCompany ProudlyAnnouncesthe LaunchofaNewWebsite!

4 Bee Thinking About4 ForOctober,20135 BeekeepingintheSouth

6 Healthy Bees6 KeepingColoniesAlive9 OverwinteringBees11 WeLaughAboutItNow

13 Bee-Yond & Bee-Hind the Hives13 LetThemKnowWhere TheirHoneyComesFrom15 HoneybeeVenomStudy forDiseaseTreatment

17 A-Bee-Cs17 FallPreparation: DealingWithaWeakHive

20 FAQs22 Sweet as Honey25 Dronings from a Queen Bee25 Apitherapy

Kelley Bees News: Modern Beekeeping | Issue 40, October 2013

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The BuzzIn a large part of the country, the cool, crisp winds of fall are starting to settle in. There is excitement in the air as the heat of summer gives way cooler mornings and evenings. Although the season is winding down, baseball is heating up, with the World Series approaching; football fans are feeling warm and fuzzy again as their favorite season moves into high gear. October means fall colors for many of us and the smell, taste and aroma of pumpkin and spice in cakes and coffees. It is also the month of ghouls, ghosts and goblins and plenty of sweet candy for some.

Speaking of sweets, the October issue of Modern Beekeeping is full of delicious morsels that are sure to please the most sophisticated of palettes. Whether your preference is the traditional Halloween peanut butter flavored candy in orange or black wrappers or maybe you’ve decided you’ve outgrown that and now prefer chocolate truffles, this issue of M. B. is chock full of wonderfully sweet indulgences for you and your colonies.

On the lighter side, like the smile you get after eating your favorite colored M&M®, you’ll read about how a hive inspection brought a smile to Marshall’s face after a terrible accident in “Dronings from a Queen Bee: Apitherapy”. You’ll also enjoy some Bit-O-Honey® from readers Ron, Carolyn, Bob, Elmer, Jane and Larry in the “Sweet as Honey” section. Bob—thanks for sharing your memories! For those of you that prefer a little more tartness, say the sharpness and strength of Sour Patch Kids™, we continue our stories on stings, “We Laugh About It Now”—biggest takeaway—don’t be caught in the apiary without your veil!

Anyone enjoy Hershey® Bars with Almonds? That’s the flavor you’ll enjoy as we share articles in “A-Bee-Cs”, where discussion on “to combine or not to combine”, and prepping for winter is highlighted. We’ll build on that added bit of protein, with articles written by scholars in academia. Meghan Milbrath details “Overwintering” while our very own Camilla Bee, highlights the remarks made by Dr. Dewey Caron at Walter T. Kelley’s 2013 Field Day in the report “Keeping Colonies Alive”. Those two articles bring to mind my favorite candy, the wonderful Reese’s® Peanut Butter Cup®: delicious milk chocolate and wonderful peanut butter. The perfect combination!

And as you all know—the good stuff doesn’t end there. There’s our “FAQs” section, where there are questions ranging from, “Why is sugar syrup in the fall different than what you feed in the spring?” to questions and pictures from suspicious looking brood patterns. Our “FAQs” are kind of like Jelly Bellies®, you always look for your favorite and occasionally you find and taste a gem that you hadn’t tried before.

So, there you have it—it’s October—we’re approaching the winter months, prep your hives—little lives and your hives’ success depend on it. While you’re getting your colonies ready for the cold to come, enjoy this last little bit of warm weather, and don’t miss out of the taste of pumpkin in October and November. And please—make sure you take some time to enjoy a few pieces of candy this month. Nothing like a little sweetness or the taste of your favorite candy to put a smile on your face—you might even find yourself remembering past Octobers and the fun times you had with loved ones and friends—sweet memories, unlike the Tootsie Roll® Pop are everlasting.

Bee safe,

Kevin Harrub Walter T. Kelley Company Sales and Purchasing Director 270-242-2099 ext. 236 [email protected]

mailto:kharrub%40kelleybees.com?subject=Message%20from%20WTK%20Newsletter%20Reader

© 2013 Walter T. Kelley Company | 800.233.2899 | www.kelleybees.com

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WalterT.KelleyCompanyProudlyAnnouncestheLaunchofaNewWebsite!

There’s a very loud buzz at Kelley’s these days! Go to www.kelleybees.com and you will find a new Walter T. Kelley website! Same company and same URL (www.kelleybees.com), but a vastly different website experience.

There are many unique features at our new website:

Education and Videos—Now with products, frequently asked questions, and beekeeping practices videos. It’s just like being there, only now you’re able to hit replay. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for instructional videos by going to www.youtube.com/kelleybees.

About Section—Provides a history of the Walter T. Kelley Company. We are very proud of the legacy Mr. Kelley started building over 90 years ago. His ability to build his beekeeping business was only surpassed by his individual grace in developing and improving the community and people around him. We will continue to honor this tradition.

User Experience—Provides simplified product navigation and purchasing to make it easy, quick, and convenient for beekeepers to find the appropriate equipment to suit their colony needs.

News and Events—Illustrates resources that allow beekeepers across the United States to locate and stay connected to their local and state beekeeping organizations through club meetings, mentors, and field days.

Beekeeper Spotlight—Where we focus on you! Provides customer profile snapshots of newbees (new beekeepers), hobbyists, sideliners, and commercial beekeepers.

Speaking of the Beekeeper Spotlight, what is that you might ask? Our “Your Story is Our Story” beekeeper profile page is all about you! It is because of you, our customers, that Kelley’s is able to be a provider of beekeeping equipment and supplies and we want to tell your story. If you are a newbee (new beekeeper), hobbyist, sideliner, or commercial beekeeper, we want to hear about it. Why? So that visitors to our website can read about your entry into beekeeping, or how you transitioned from a hobbyist to a sideliner, or maybe one of your funniest beekeeping experiences or adventures—it is our hope that your stories will be the catalyst that sparks visitors to our website to choose beekeeping as a hobby or occupation.

We apologize that it’s taken us a while to provide you with a website experience worthy of your loyalty and your business. We’re thankful that you appreciated WTK enough to walk through some rough spots with us. It’s our hope that this new site will have made the wait worthwhile.

Lastly, whether you are a new or a long time Walter T. Kelley customer, everyone will need to create a new customer account on this improved website. Unfortunately, we were unable to transfer account information—simply go to www.kelleybees.com to create your account. We hope you enjoy!

http://www.kelleybees.com

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Bee Thinking AboutForOctober,2013The summer season was a busy time for your bees. Fall preparation for winter may be a very busy time for you. We’ve outlined some considerations for what you should be doing in your apiary this time of year. For more comprehensive information, please refer to other articles in this issue. We will be reviewing winter preparations in more depth in November as well.

And please remember, what you should be doing depends upon your location, your weather, and you management philosophy.

As always, your comments and contributions appreciated, email [email protected] or go to the blog by clicking at the end of this article.

Things to Check Brood pattern: Check that it is good, although its size will be diminishing, even more so in northern climes as laying really dwindles by the end of October. If not a good brood pattern, do you have at least 20 pounds of honey in the hive? (That’s what the queen needs to keep laying.) If your area has suffered from the drought, food for bees may be hard to come by. If less than 20 pounds, consider supplemental feeding (South), or combining

(North). (See “A-Bee-Cs” article in this issue for combining, and the “FAQs” article for feeding information.)

Honey placement: The books tell us the best place for honey is above and to the sides of the brood nest. If your bees did not read the books, you may need to redistribute their stores a bit. Don’t break apart the brood nest though.

Enough food? And what is enough? While there are a variety of gadgets to weigh a hive, or you can always use the heft test. If you can barely lift it (just try to pick up a bottom corner, and remember, lift with your legs!), it probably contains enough honey.

How much you need varies widely by geographic area, and the beekeeper you ask. We’ve heard 70 pounds are needed in Minnesota, a successful West Virginia beekeeper told us he leaves that much on as well. The

best thing to do is to check with successful beekeepers in your area for their recommendations. Eric Mussen, of U. C. Apiaries at the University of California, tells us that 30-60 pounds (depending upon how far north you are) of honey are needed for the bees. Fully filled deep frames hold about five pounds of honey each, and mediums hold between three and four pounds.

Halloween costumes: We’re sure pets love dressing up like bees! Shop now to ensure your pets can join in the celebration.

Goldenrodisabeefallforagingfavorite,butthescentofthehoneytowehumansmaybeabit“gymlockerroom-ish.”Don’tpanicifthat’sthesourceofanoff-smellinthehive.PhotocourtesyofCharlotteHubbard.

Lookhowexcitedthesecaninesaretobewearinghoneybeeoutfits!PhotoscreditofTracyGustafson.Wewelcomeyourfavoritebee-relatedphotos.

mailto:Editor%40KelleyBees.com?subject=Bee%20Thinking%20About%20Article


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Things to do in the NorthGet the mouse guards on now—before the mice get into the hive and before the bees go into cluster.

Reduce the entrance—lots of advantages to this like keeping in warmth, deterring (but not preventing) mice, and minimizing raiding. It is probably not yet the time to reduce it to the smallest opening. Many beekeepers flip the entrance reducer so that the gap is up for the winter, allowing for easier exit of bees throughout the winter. We’ll cover this more in November.

Apply fall medications—if you use them.

Weigh down the top—in case the gales of November come early. A good gust can remove the cover.

If there aren’t enough stores, consider supplemental feeding and pollen patties—unless it is already too cold and the bees have gone into cluster. In that case, consider adding a candy board or some other form of emergency feeding.

And in the Far NorthWrap/insulate hives as you’ve decided to do, and ensure proper ventilation. See the article in this issue in the “Healthy Bees” section.

Things to do in the SouthRemove honey/supers: Unless you’re in the middle of a substantial nectar flow, it is probably about time (or past time) to remove.

Reduce space: Continue to reduce the hive to ensure the bees can patrol everything to keep critters in check.

Feed if needed.

See also Dennis Brown’s next article for more southern insights.

As always, your comments and contributions are welcome, email [email protected] or visit kelleybees.com/blog.

MouseGuard,Catalog#279-MG

BeekeepingintheSouthBy Dennis Brown of Lone Star Farms, www.lonestarfarms.net

Author of Beekeeping: A Personal Journey and Beekeeping: Questions and Answers, both carried by Kelley’s.

Here in Bryan, Texas we are looking for some relief from the heat wave that has been plaguing us for months now. October is usually when we see our temperatures start to cool off down into the lower to mid-nineties.

In our area of the state aster and goldenrod should still be in bloom. Here on Lone Star Farms, we are busy making sure that the grass around the hives is cut down and that none of the bee yards have any fire ants taking over. We are also taking mite counts on all the hives. We use the Kelley screen bottom board with the slide-

in monitoring board. We paint a light coat of vegetable oil on the monitoring board with a paint brush then we slide the board in until the board is sticking out about two inches. The temperature is too hot for us to slide the board all the way in. Bees need good ventilation. We will leave the board in for twenty-four hours. If we have more than fifteen mites on the board we will treat the hive with powdered sugar.

Next month I will explain a powdered sugar treatment and reasons why mite levels go up. Enjoy your bees.

Questions or comments about this article? Please go to kelleybees.com/blog.

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https://kelleybees.com/blog/

http://www.lonestarfarms.net



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Healthy BeesKeepingColoniesAliveHighlights of the Keynote Presentation by Dr. Dewey Caron, Kelley’s 2013 Field Day

By Camilla Bee, Editor

Our annual Field Day event draws some of the industry’s best and brightest, and this year’s, held as always the first Saturday in June, continued that tradition. Our keynote speaker was the highly credentialed and very engaging Dr. Dewey Caron1.

Caron kicked off a “Saturday of saturation” (from the flood of information on dozens of key topics, although there also were a few raindrops) with the keynote presentation on Keeping Colonies Alive. “It’s a challenge,” he stated. “Beekeeping’s heyday was about World War II, and the number of managed colonies has steadily declined since the 1950s. Introduction of foreign bee mites in the late 1980s and especially since 2000, the various and widespread syndromes such as CCD (Colony Collapse Disorder) and Bee PMS (Parasitic Mite Syndrome) have diminished both the enthusiasm for keeping bees, and rates of success.”

Is This a Real Crisis?It is now fairly common knowledge that our critical pollinators are in trouble. “But,” noted Caron, “this isn’t anything new, although the level of losses is definitely more serious.” Caron pointed out there have been significant honey bee losses going back as far as 1869, when bees in Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee, suffered unexplained heavy losses. Many of these loss episodes were regional and labeled things like spring dwindling, autumn collapse, disappearing disease, etc. One especially widespread loss episode, termed Isle of Wight Disease2 in the early 1900s, greatly decimated native bees in the British Isles. The current epidemic appears more widespread and occurs in both North America and Europe.

Even in light of other honey bee crises beekeeping has survived, Caron remains deeply concerned about the current crisis. The prevalence of mites and diseases in the last decade has “certainly presented a tough row to hoe,” he noted. Mites have forever changed the beekeeping picture in the last 10-15 years. In 1989, a survey in the Pacific Northwest documented a 22% overwintering loss, about double the “normal” loss level. Losses over the last seven years now average over 30%3.

1 Caron has a PhD in Entomology from Cornell, and went on to share his extensive knowledge at the University of Maryland and University of Delaware. While “retired,” Caron currently resides in Oregon, where he is very active with WAS, the Bee Informed Partnership, the Oregon Beekeepers Association, and grandchildren. His textbook, Honey Bee Biology and Beekeeping continues as the major textbook used by university and bee course students. His books on Africanized bees and observation hives continue to be major references for those aspects. Kelley’s proudly carries many of Caron’s books.

2 The basis is a small parasitic mite, the Acarapis woodi, which infests the airways of the honey bee. First observed on the Isle of Wight in 1904, the mystery illness known as Isle of Wight Disease was not identified as being caused by a parasite until 1921. It quickly spread to the rest of Great Britain. It was regarded as having wiped out the entire native bee population of the British Isles (although later genetic studies have found remnants that did survive) and it dealt a devastating blow to British beekeeping; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diseases_of_the_honey_bee#Acarine_.28Tracheal.29_mites

3 www.beeinformed.org/2013/05/winter-loss-survey-2012-2013

TheupdatededitionofDr.Caron’sbook,Honey Bee Biology and Beekeeping,isnowcarriedbyKelley’s(catalog#622).Thiseditionisinfullcolorandhasallthenewestinformationinit.Itisuniqueinthatitextensivelycoversbothbiologyandbeekeepingforthose“students”ofthehoneybee.Dr.Caronnoted,“Individu-alsconstantlytellmetheyreturnagainandagaintothebooktore-readitandfindtheycangettheinformationtheyneedonbeesand/orthebiologyfromthisonesource.”

Dr.CarontakesoverfromKelley’sKevinHarrubatFieldDay,2013.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acarapis_woodi

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isle_of_Wight

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isle_of_Wight

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Britain

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diseases_of_the_honey_bee#Acarine_.28Tracheal.29_mites

www.beeinformed.org/2013/05/winter-loss-survey-2012-2013


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What Can the Average Beekeeper Do?With the world stymied as to the specific cause(s) of the international honey bee crisis, Caron encourages beekeepers to be involved in tracking success rates, and sharing what works and what doesn’t work. He suggests reporting to and being involved with a major initiative, the Bee Informed Partnership (BIP), would be a good way to do this. The goal of the BIP is to “decrease the number of honey bee colonies that die over the winter.4” The organization is developing a honey bee health database to act as a repository for data, both from BIP surveys and other health surveillance projects. Motivating the project is “the conviction that beekeepers, when

presented with beekeeper-derived data that objectively show which management practices worked and which did not, will adopt the more successful practices. This, in turn, will reduce colony losses and increase the availability of pollinating units overall.5”

What Does Work?As data is being collected and analyzed, and as beekeepers share what works and what doesn’t for them, Caron noted

the one indisputable truth: “there is no one single thing you can do to totally prevent losses.” He concluded “We all want to look for the ‘silver bullet’, the easy fix. It is obvious nothing is easy or simple with the current loss epidemic and solutions may need to involve several variations.”

Citing research, he shared results that frame how difficult it is to decide the best practice. For example, drone removal to combat mites has improved survival in the north, but, nationally, statistically the practice doesn’t matter. Studies of essential oil use or other chemical options are another example where research indicates what might work for some is not a universal fix.

“We simply do not yet have the data to understand why some areas/individuals are having very heavy losses,” he said, encouraging us again to be part of the data collection process via the BIP. “Treat or don’t treat? There is no one right answer. What seems to work well for one individual or for a particular area doesn’t always garner the same result with other individuals or in different areas.”

Signs of Potential FailureCaron reviewed some early warning signs found in areas with lower overwintering success. They include:

• Fall issues, of bees not taking feed even though they have insufficient stores, and bees disappearing from the colony at a faster than normal rate

• “Snot” brood, likely reflecting multiple pathogens at play

• Fall dead-outs with a more extensive pick-up rate (finding and removing dead-outs)

It seems that stimulating colonies early in spring, helping them “grow-out” of problems and selection of stock that seems to consistently perform better are pro-active management options that help. Stimulating and dividing the best stock, rather than seeking bees elsewhere—provided losses are not too extensive—have been useful options for some beekeepers. Small-scale beekeepers just have to try all over again the next season with package and/or nuc purchases.

4 Beeinformed.org5 Beeinformed.org

“We all want to look for the ‘silverbullet’,theeasyfix.Itisobviousnothingiseasyorsimplewiththecurrent lossepidemic and solutions may need toinvolveseveralvariations.”

http://beeinformed.org/

http://beeinformed.org/


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Likely Culprits?Caron shared that researchers around the world are focusing on these major areas:

• Disease epidemics—viruses are little strands of RNA that change (mutate) all the time. Caron shared, “The relationship of vector and pathogen change too. Are we dealing with highly virulent viruses or has the Varroa mite/virus relationship changed? Or both? Is Nosema a significant factor? Are brood somehow more susceptible to older pathogens or have the bacteria changed and are now more infectious? A lot of questions with few answers.”

• Pesticides, especially the pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, miticides, etc. Caron cited research that there is an average of five different pesticides detectable when we examine a colony; it happens when bees return from forage of plants treated with pesticides. But, the most prevalent pesticide found is a miticide. “Yes, the major chemical found in bees is the one we put there. Miticides don’t act in a vacuum,” he cautioned. “We don’t yet understand how they act in combinations with other chemicals and other factors.”

• Environmental stressors, such as climate change and its impact on nutrition and of course the stress we put on bee colonies with “industrial apiculture”. Huge too is the lack of suitable consistent, adequate forage for bees.

• Poor nutrition, due in large part to increasing monoculture and again coming back to our bee stewardship, with heavy supplemental feeding—are we somehow changing the normal bee digestive system?

• And the “other” category: a variety of other possible contributors like GMOs, cell phones (or more precisely electromagnetic pollution, including even from the sun itself, and signs of the rapture among others.

So Now What?Field Day’s overcast skies cast an element of gloom, and listening to Dr. Caron discuss increasing rates of colony loss did little to dispel that what’s facing honey bees is large and formidable. I think we all took a few deep breaths throughout the keynote speech, and wondered what are we doing to ourselves.

But, hope springs eternal in beekeepers. The fact that hundreds of people swarmed to a large tent on a damp morning in Kentucky, listened keenly to every word this expert shared, and spent the rest of the day meeting, learning, discussing and sharing bodes well for the future of the honey bee.

Participantsswarmingtothekeynotespeech.



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OverwinteringBeesBy Meghan Milbrath, Research Associate in the Entomology Department at Michigan State University, Coordinator for the Northern Bee Network, and Owner of Bending Sickle Community Farm (www.bendingsicklecommunityfarm.com)

How do you over winter your bees? I’ve gotten this question probably twenty times in the past few weeks. In Michigan and similar climates, it is time to start thinking about getting the bees ready for the long winter, and it seems that every beekeeper has a strong opinion on how this is best done. Whenever I explain to someone my system for overwintering bees, it comes with a huge disclaimer—this is what I am trying this year, based on what has worked for me personally. It may be tweaked or changed next year depending on whom I talk to and what I learn.

When it comes to overwintering, there are a lot of factors that can be considered, but there are two that are objectively the most important: food and moisture. Either too little food or too much moisture will lower your chances of getting your colony through the winter. Thankfully, both can be managed.

Managing Moisture• Have an upper entrance. You can use a spacer with a hole,

an auger hole in an upper hive body, or a wedge under the inner cover, but somehow have a hole up top. This not only allows air to flow through the hive, but it also prevents them from getting closed in if too many dead bodies or debris fall to the floor and block the lower entrance (or the bottom gets blocked by drifts of snow).

• Put something absorbent on top. It is good to have something absorbent between the bees and the top of the hive (before the inner cover) that can trap moisture. This can be a quilt box (easily made by putting leaves/straw in a pillow case or burlap bag inside an extra super), newspaper, candy board, or absorbent insulation. As the bees are in cluster, they are eating honey and working their muscles, and this metabolism results in hot air that can rise up, condense on the inner cover, and drip back down on them on a cold day.

• Make sure water can’t collect on the bottom. If you have a screened bottom board, this isn’t a huge concern, but if you have a solid bottom board, try to tilt the hive forward so any water can run out the front.

Managing Food Much of the food management is actually done through August and September, by feeding, combining weak hives, or equalizing by giving lean hives resources from strong ones. However, there are things you can do as you put them to bed for the winter that can help.

• Rearrange frames. Bees move up through the winter, so they will run out of food at the top. If you have a box that isn’t full on top, your bees can hang out there and starve, even if there is honey down below. Either remove empty frames from the top, or rearrange so that emptier honey frames are on the very edges, and the frames in the middle are full.

• Supplemental feeding. Even though it is too cold to use syrup, you can feed as insurance against a particularly demanding season. I make a dry-ish clumpy mix with the following: 7 parts dry sugar, 1 part water

Autumnisdawningonus.Timetoprepareyourhivesforwinter.PhotocourtesyofStephenLester.

http://www.bendingsicklecommunityfarm.com/


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with Honey B Healthy®, 2 parts pollen substitute (e.g. MegaBee®). I put this on a half sheet of newspaper on top of the hives (covering the back 2/3 of the frames). A spacer with an auger hole under the inner cover provides room for the mound of sugar. You can also do a fully dry mix, just use only sugar, or use a pre-made candy board. Put this on once the bees are in cluster, but before they would be up near the top (October through January). You can peek under the cover and check to see if they are using it (January on) and add more as needed. If they don’t use it over the winter, you can feed it to your bees later.

Other ConsiderationsBeekeepers do many other things to prepare their hives for winter. Sufficient food and ventilation are non-negotiable, but other management techniques are used to put bees to bed for winter.

• Wrapping. Wrapping can reduce wind and provide protection from winter, and is especially useful if your hives are in an exposed location. It isn’t essential to keep the hive warm—remember that bees are keeping the cluster warm, but are not trying to heat the whole hive box (think march of the penguins). If you do choose to wrap, use something that breathes a little like tarpaper or a commercial carton (not trash bags or Tyvek®), and make sure to leave your upper and lower entrances unobstructed. Wrapping reduces airflow and you don’t want to sacrifice moisture management. After I found my bees can survive without it I stopped wrapping because it is expensive and a lot of work, so it doesn’t fit my management strategy (overworked and underpaid).

• Mouse guards. Mice can do a ton of damage. I generally try to put mouse guards on in the fall (after checking for mice!), but I don’t always get them on every hive, and some have come through just fine. I have gotten mice in a few hives, and the result is a mess. You can use a wooden entrance reducer, or you can use ½” hardware cloth over the entrance, or a fancy specific mouse excluder.

• Closing screened bottom boards. I have some solid bottom boards, some fancy screened ones with inspecting boards, and some with screens that can’t be closed off. Many people with screened bottom boards try to get them closed before it gets cold, which makes sense to block the wind. However, I have some hives with screened bottom boards that I left open all winter, and they have done just fine.

With the techniques listed above, I’ve had success both using them and not using them1, so I don’t feel strongly about their implementation. The trick is to find the combination that fits your management philosophy and budget.

1 Meghan has been keeping bees for twenty years now, starting back in Wisconsin with her father.


MegaBee®

Catalog#760-MAHoneyBHealthy®

Catalog#77G-HBH

EXAMPLEOFANOVERWINTERINGHIVESETUP

TELESCOPINGOUTERCOVERINNERCOVER

QUILTBOX,FILLEDWITHLEAVES/SAWDUST/STRAW

BURLAPSPACERWITHHOLE

DRYSUGARNEWSPAPER(OVERBACK2/3)

HONEY

BROOD/HONEY

BOTTOMBOARD



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WeLaughAboutItNowMore on stings from our readers compiled by Camilla Bee, Editor

When something goes terribly wrong, it is always good—although sometimes it doesn’t occur until much later—when you can say, “We laugh about it now.”

This month we’ve compiled some of those chuckling insights readers have shared.

Camilla Bee, Editor

Bad Temper in BeesBy Michael Palmer, Vermont

Kork and I were remembering a stinging incident just the other day. Happened back in the 80s, in the Lucas yard in Perry Mills, New York. We were reversing hives at dandelion bloom—beautiful weather, good flow on, bees in a good mood. We had two trucks in the yard, sideboards and equipment spread out on the ground. We were both in t-shirts, no veils.

The yard was almost finished, when the first colony reversed, fell over. As it hit the ground, the boxes separated and the frames fanned out, spilling the colony’s guts out across the grass. Instantly, a cloud of angry bees erupted from that hive. Did you ever ride a motorcycle? Have a stone fall off a truck up ahead of you? As you and the stone approach each other, the stone seems to travel in slow motion—until it hits you. Then it’s going full speed—wham!

Well, those bees erupted out of that hive in slow motion in a cloud that engulfed both of us. I never had a chance to take a step in any direction. They were on me like—every inch had a stinging bee. I tried to wipe them off, and they were back twofold.

We looked at each other—did you ever see horses’ eyes when they’re freaked out? Well, Kork had horse eyes. I ran for one truck, and Kork the other. Bees filled the cab of my truck, stinging everything— in my nose, in my ears, on my face and arms; even stinging the truck.

We met down the road in a turn-off and pulled stingers. I could certainly never forget how my whole body buzzed—beyond pain. Eventually, I was able to drive the hour to home, but couldn’t touch anything—lean back in the seat, or put my elbow on the window opening: just my hands on the steering wheel.

We laugh about it now.

I have only been stung about five times this spring. I started spraying myself, pants, shirts, and back of my gloves with Deep Woods® Off. It seems to work well. I don’t have a full bee suit, just a veil and gloves.

With three of the five stings there was no issue, but on two occasions I had some serious swelling going on. Once I was not even working bees and was not wearing a veil—this bee came out of the woods and without warning nailed me on my forehead. The next day I looked like a Klingon from Star Trek.

The other sting where I had large local reaction I had a bee on my pants (the reason I now spray them with Off) and accidentally brushed her with my exposed hand. My entire hand looked like it belonged to a cartoon character; it was huge.

—Larry


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Had it confirmed yesterday, a 3910 Ford tractor can’t outrun a *#&*-off bee. Got me on the neck on the first pass by the hives. Never bothered them before, upset ’em this time!

—Jim, Georgia

I noticed the jar on my Boardman entrance feeder was empty. Wearing just shorts and a t-shirt, I did what I’ve often done. I lifted the jar out of the feeder, refilled it, and replaced it with no problems. But when I looked at it before leaving, it looked like I hadn’t screwed the lid on properly. I reached down and pulled the jar back out of the feeder.

Big mistake! In the brief time since I had replaced the jar, the bees had crammed themselves into the space below the feeder lid. When I removed it, they came boiling out after me. By the time I reached safety inside my house, I had been stung twelve times. I took Benadryl® and the pain was short lived. I just hope the lesson learned is long lived. Let me end this email so I can resume scratching those stings. —Chuck Pourciau, Shreveport, Louisiana

My wife, also a beekeeper, is always telling me to tuck my pants into my socks or someday a bee will crawl up my leg and sting me some place real sensitive.

Every time I work bees (without tucking in my pants) I think of her words—but I never do anything different.

I was working our backyard hives recently when I felt a bee crawling around on my shin. And then my knee. And then my thigh. I froze.

That bee worked her way up into the crotch of my pants and I knew this might not end well for either of us. I realize now that what I did was really stupid, but at the time all I was thinking about was the honeybee near my family jewels, not the several thousand bees in the hive.

So, standing right there between two hives, what I did was ever-so-slowly remove my gloves, and then unfasten my belt, and then drop my pants.

I didn’t see her on my body so I knew she was still in my pants somewhere. I stepped away from the hives and shook the pants real well for a while, and then inspected each leg before I put them back on.

The good news is I didn’t get stung. The bad news is my neighbor and his daughter were out in their yard, and were awfully curious about me in the apiary in my skivvies.


Beek HintBecause of robbing, this time of year it is probably safer to feed with a feeder inside the hive.

You might want to plug the vent hole of your inner cover if it has one; I use two layers of duct tape and I put the outer cover snug against it. Otherwise you’re giving that hive two doorways to defend, and this time of year, lots of robbers are after what you’re feeding.

I also reduce the entrance to the smallest opening.

—C.Bauer,Michigan



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Bee-Yond & Bee-Hind the HivesLetThemKnowWhereTheirHoneyComesFromBy Camilla Bee, Editor

“Honey, due to foreign imports, is one of the most tainted foods in America…”1

Scary, yes—but the reality of a global market. If all honey-loving Americans understood that low-priced honey, often found in chain stores and typically labeled “Pure Honey” is anything but pure, and that it may also contain heavy metals and other toxic substances, they might think twice about the “bargain.”

Joe Taylor is a well-known Kentucky beekeeper who sells pure honey. He shared with us a situation he and about a half dozen other beekeepers encountered last fall, when selling their honey at a festival. “There was one vendor selling cheaper honey from out of state,” he noted. “The label may state one thing, but...?”

Like Taylor, when you, as a beekeeper who knows the risks and challenges of honey production see bargain-basement prices, you can’t help but question its purity and safety, and wonder about truth in labeling. We’d like to think that everyone is following the rules, but across-the-board enforcement is impossible—especially at small venues like farmer’s markets and festivals.

What can we do about it? Educate our customers! Talk to them about the advantages of local honey, like how it likely helps combat local allergies, and keeps local beekeepers in business, which means more helpful bees in the area. The “buy local” campaigns and the “slow food” movement are increasingly making Americans aware of the importance of knowing from where their food comes. Those of us selling at farmer’s markets and other meet-the-customer venues are in a unique position to further this awareness.

“Know your beekeeper; know your honey,” advises Joe. That same sentiment is available on labels available from Kelley’s, and is a great statement to include on your marketing materials.

1 ABJ Extra, February 13, 2013

Abountifulhoneyharvest.

Pure Honey from a Local Beekeeper

1"RoundJarTopLabelsCatalog#PWJY1

Whatworksforyou?We’dlovetoshareyour honey and other hive productmarketing tips and insights, ideas fordisplays, etc. Please email them [email protected]. Thank you inadvance for helping all of us educatecustomers on the importance of localhoney.

Sillyperhaps,butthesedressed-for-Halloweenminibearsdon’tlastlongatthelocalfarmer’smarket.PhotocourtesyofCharlotteHubbard.

mailto:Editor%40KelleyBees.com?subject=Marketing%20Honey


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OneBeekeeper’sMarketingApproach

Regularcontributor,HerbLester,sharedwithussomeofwhathedoestopromotehishoney.HerbworkedwithJoeBurnsofKBFarms(beesandwoodworking,KBFarms.com)togetthebeemedallioncarvedonthefrontofadeepbroodbox,andcontactinformationonbothsides.

HerbnotesthatheplacesitallonKelleyequipment,allowinghimtoshowfolkskeycomponentsofahiveifthey’recurious.Heusesthemetalhivetoponhistabletopatevents,fordisplayingjarsof100%HerbandPatLesterApiaryWildflowerHoney.

Herb uses the deep brood box to transport the honey jars tovenues,wherehealsousesacomputerpictureshowofactivitiesbackattheapiaryforthepublictoview.AsHerbnotes,“Iwantthepublictoknowwheretheirhoneycomesfrom.”

The local pharmacy is also a big customer, and the hive is abeautifulmarketingdisplay.

Herb currently has more demand than supply, but acknowledges that’s always a challenge in the business.


All photos courtesy of Herb Lester.

BrianMessick,DPhandHerbLesterattheLascassasDrugStore.

InspectorRabbyensurestheboxistrulyemptyofhoneycontainers.

http://www.KBFarms.com



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OCTOBER2013EVENTS2013 WAS Conference October16-19SantaFe,NMMoredetailstocome.http://ucanr.edu/sites/was2/Conference_Information/

Kansas Honey Producers Association - KHPA October18-19(October17boardmeetingat8p.m.)Dr.LarryConnorwillbeourprimaryspeaker,alongwithagreatlineupofotherguestspeakersandmembers’presentations.CapitolPlazaHotel,1717S.W.TopekaBlvd.,Topeka,KSCall800-579-7937forreservations.MentionyouarewiththeKHPAforthediscountedroomrate.

17th Annual Field Day at the USDA Honey Bee Lab October19AttheUSDAHoneyBeeBreeding,GeneticsandPhysiologyLaboratorylocatedat1157BenHurRoad,BatonRouge,LAFormoreinformationpleasecontactBethHolloway(225)767-9288,SandraHineman(225)767-9280orJoeSanroma(225)346-2805.WalterT.Kelleywillnotbeattending.

Michigan Beekeepers Association Fall Meeting October25-26FlintGatewayHolidayInnMoredetailstocome.

93rd Florida State Beekeepers Association Convention October31-November2WashingtonCountyAgricultureCenter,Chipley,FL

Annual Northwest Corner/Oregon Beekeepers Convention October31-November2SeasideConventionCenter,Seaside,ORWalterT.Kelleywillnotbeattending.

NOVEMBER2013EVENTSWisconsin Honey Producers Fall Meeting November1-3RacineMarriottinRacine,WIMoredetailstocome.

Iowa State Beekeepers Fall Meeting November1-2BestWesternRegencyInninMarshalltown,IA

ILSBA Annual Meeting November9IllinoisDept.ofAgricultureStateFairGrounds,Springfield,IL

Pennsylvania State Beekeepers Fall Meeting November8-9BestWesternInninLewisburg,PAMoredetailstocome.

DECEMBER2013EVENTSThe Louisiana Beekeepers Association 52nd Annual Convention December6-7ClarionInnandSuitesConferenceCenter,501N.Highway190,Covington,LAPleasecontactJoeSanromaat(318)308-5000,SharonHebertat(337)937-6722,orJimmyDunkleyat(225)610-2628formoreinformation.

Youcansaveshippingcostsbymeetingusatindustrymeetings.Wenoteonourwebsitewhichmeetingswe’llbeattending,andwe’dlovetomeetyoutheretohand-offyourequipment.

UpcomingEvents

We’dlovetosharenewsofyourupcomingevents. Pleasesendtheeventname,date,websiteand/orcontactinformationtomebythe10thofeachmonthforinclusioninthe

followingmonth’[email protected]

HoneybeeVenomStudyforDiseaseTreatmentBy Ol’ Drone

Biophysicists from Rice University, in cooperation with colleagues from a radiation research academy in Taiwan have identified the molecular-level action of melitten, the principal peptide component in bee venom. Melitten damages the outer walls of cells causing contents to escape and depending upon dosage, it can even dissolve cell membrane completely. This research could aid in the development of new drugs that use a similar mechanism as melitten’s to attack cancer and bacteria. The study appears in the August issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Contributions of honeybees to mankind are so overwhelming that we often forget to recognize how valuable and important that they actually are. We remember that hive products offer food and practical medical support but we may forget that the major contribution to the global ecology is the sustaining by pollination of most of the wild and cultivated flora. Only one other insect species furnishes any useful products, as do the bees.

http://ucanr.edu/sites/was2/Conference_Information/

mailto:editor%40kelleybees.com?subject=Upcoming%20Events


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Let’s review the many products that we can harvest from the honeybee hive.

Honey—Concentrated from the sweet nectar collected from blossoms, composed of 82% sugars packed with minerals, vitamins and enzymes. It is prized for cooking, and a multitude of important medical properties such as antiseptic and burn treatment. We enjoy its sweet, natural floral essence but need to remember that it is NOT JUST FOR TEA!

Pollen—Important medium for cross-fertilizing flowers, 30% of worldwide food crops, and many natural foods that sustain wild life of all kinds. Collected by bees to feed young with 35% protein, mineral rich and containing many enzymes, furnishes also for us, a nutritious food supplement. Widely used to alleviate symptoms of hay fever, asthma, and other allergies.

Propolis—Amorphous, resinous material gathered from plant buds and bark to strengthen the hive comb structure, varnish the inner surface of the hive, with its antiseptic, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties. Widely used in topical and internal medications for its healing properties, it is also used in fine varnishes and in ancient embalming.

Royal Jelly—Special nutritious food produced by nurse bees for the first food fed to young larva, and the only food for potential queen larva thereby creating a fertile, female queen. It is rich in lipids, amino acids, vitamins, and enzymes, widely used as food supplement and in dermatological cosmetics.

Bees Wax—Secreted by young bees, molded into strong hexagonal shaped comb cells to furnish support for brood and honey storage. Honey sealed in wax comb provides long (3000 years) shelf life. Unique properties provide wide usage for candles, waterproofing, dentistry, polishes, and many health products. Compared to petroleum-based paraffin, beeswax candles burn longer, give less smoke, less dripping, and fill the room with fragrant floral essence.

Bee Venom—Toxic liquid injected during a bee sting. Several proteins, peptides, and enzymes cause painful inflammation during defensive stinging. Used by dermatologists test for allergy sensitivity. Bee sting therapy treats the symptoms of arthritis, multiple sclerosis and other auto immune diseases. For more info visit The American Apitherapy Society at www.apitherapy.org.

There is one other insect that provides a common, useful product. The female lac beetle, (Laccifer lacca), a native from southern Asia, secretes a resin used to make shellac. This same natural compound is used in coatings on pharmaceuticals and also on some candies as both a sealant and to prevent sticking.

Thesebeeshavereturnedtothehivewithloadsofpollen.PhotocourtesyofCharlotteHubbard.


http://www.apitherapy.org/


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A-Bee-CsFallPreparation:DealingWithaWeakHiveBy Camilla Bee, Editor

With about a third of all USA honeybees dying off in the winter, doing everything you can to help your bees successfully overwinter is critical. Depending upon your location, October is when you may need to critically examine each hive and make some tough decisions.

During my first few years of beekeeping, I was proud of the number of hives I had. I’ve since learned—the hard way—that the number to be most proud of is the number of hives that emerge in the spring. It is generally better to combine weak hives with strong ones to help improve survival rates. If they emerge strong in the spring, you can always split them a get your hive numbers back up.

A Weak HiveWhat is a weak hive? It may have many of these characteristics:

• Insufficient stores to make it through the winter in your region. Please see our “Bee Thinking About” article in this issue for insights into how many pounds of honey are needed.

• A small number of bees. A cluster covering eight or more frames (Langstroth) at the start of the season would be ideal. Fewer bees than that can certainly make it though, depending upon factors like the harshness of the winter, the type of bee, type of hive, and other things you do to support them (windbreaks, feeding, etc.)

• Failure to thrive, a characteristic that may take some experience to identify. It takes a few years and/or a half dozen hives to see the natural variances of hives. For example, you may have two hives in the same location, started at the same time, and one will produce extra honey their first year while the other works hard to get to the minimum needed to overwinter. With time you’ll get a sense of whether a hive’s performance is exceptional, fairly normal, or subpar.

If you have a weak hive, hopefully you’ve been trying to determine if it is a poor-laying queen, has high mite counts, etc. and addressed any problems if possible. (For example, counting mites and treating according to your apiary management approach if you’ve exceeded the threshold.)

This article assumes you’ve done what you can, and are now are faced with a weak hive that likely won’t make it. What do you do?

Thenumbertobemostproudofisthenumberofhivesthatemergeinthespring.

Powderedsugarisonemethodofknockingdownamitepopulation,oftenthecauseofaweakhive.


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Is Combining It Possible?Combining a weak hive with a strong one is often recommended if you have that option. Please note that combining two weak hives together isn’t generally recommended. You’ll just make a larger hive that still has the core issue(s) that made it weak.

Combining earlier in the fall rather than later is best—it gives the larger hive more time to arrange the brood nest and food stores.

You know how lots of beekeepers means lots of opinions? There are plenty who will tell you that you can only combine a hive within three feet of the destination hive—and if they aren’t that close, you need to move the weak hive a few miles away for a few days so the bees won’t return to their starting location, and then move it back to combine it.

Everyone has had different experiences, but plenty of us have successfully combined hives in the same bee yard that were further than three feet away.

The Newspaper CombineThis easy method combines the weak hive with a strong hive, and allows them to merge within a few days.

Because this article is directed for beginners, we’ve detailed the fairly straight-forward steps1.

1. Examine your strong hive and ensure it is truly strong—evidence of a queen, nothing else awry, etc. Make sure that this destination hive is “good to go.”

2. Find the queen in the weak hive and “off with her head,” so to speak. This is a very controversial step. Some beekeepers say you can leave both queens in the combination hive, and they’ll duke it out. The risk of this is that they may kill each other, leaving lots of bees queenless, or—the weaker queen will survive.2

3. Select two sheets of newspaper. Some folks recommend trying to use pages with as little color ink as possible. Based upon my experience, the bees don’t seem to prefer sports pages versus international news or the financial section.

4. Cut the newspaper to cover all of the frames of the hive body. Newspaper hanging outside the hive body can wick in moisture if there’s inclement weather.

5. Open the destination hive and place the sheets over the top box.

6. With a razor blade or some other sharp instrument, slit a half dozen or more two-inch slits in the paper.

7. Spritz the newspaper with sugar-water to begin softening it up. The bees will need to chew through it.

8. Add the weak hive atop the newspaper. They should not have an exit except to chew their way out.

9. Replace the inner/top cover(s).

10. Put a leafed branch across the front entrance of the now-combined hive. When the weak hive’s bees finally go out the front of their new home, they’ll realize something is vastly different, and re-orient, meaning they’re less likely to return to their previous location. (Remove all traces of their hive from the previous location so any returning foragers know quickly they need to find a new home.)

1 And of course, there are different opinions on this method, like one sheet of newspaper versus two, not cutting slits, etc. This is just one approach.

2 Yes, it is maddening how many opinions there are on any given subject, and here are some more of them. If you kill the “weak hive” queen, some suggest putting her in the bottom of the strong hive so her pheromones appeal to her workers and help with merging the two colonies. Others say add her to your queen jar—check the Internet for Michael Bush and queen jar for more on this subject.


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11. After about three days, open the hive and remove any residual traces of the newspaper. (They’ll have likely chewed through most of it, but this saves them the work of finishing it.) And don’t be alarmed by the grayish almost-lint-like stuff at the bottom of the hive—that’s chewed up newspaper.

If Combining Isn’t An OptionDo whatever you can to support and strengthen the hive, such as feeding sugar syrup as long as they’ll take it (usually until it is 45° F. sustained or cooler), and then add a candy board, Mountain Camp method, etc. Please see our other articles on fall apiary management in this issue of Modern Beekeeping.

Good luck!Exampleofabranchforcingthebeestoreorient.Bythetimetheleaveshadwilted,thebeesweremorefamiliarwiththeirnewlocation.

807 W Main St., Clarkson, KY • Toll Free (800) 233-2899 or (270) 242-2012

“We Build Hives that Change Lives”

Hours of business are 7:00 AM CST - 5:00 PM CST Monday – Friday

“We Build Hives that Change Lives”

www.kelleybees.com

Since 1924 we have constantly strived to serve our customers better. Come visit our NEW WEBSITE and see how easy we have made it to shop and to learn.

807 W Main St., Clarkson, KY • Toll Free (800) 233-2899 or (270) 242-2012

“We Build Hives that Change Lives”“We Build Hives that Change Lives”

www.kelleybees.com

Since 1924 we have constantly strived to serve our customers better. Come visit our Since 1924 we have constantly strived to serve our customers better. Come visit our NEW WEBSITENEW WEBSITE

There are many unique features at our new website:

• Beekeeper Spotlight – Where we focus on you! Provides customer profi le snapshots of NewBees (new beekeepers), Hobbyists, Sideliners, and Commercial beekeepers.

• Education and Videos – Now with products, frequently asked questions, and beekeeping practices VIDEOS. It’s just like being there, only now you’re able to hit replay.

• About Section – Provides a history of the Walter T. Kelley Company. We are very proud of the legacy Mr. Kelley established 90 years ago. His ability to build his beekeeping business was only surpassed by his individual grace in developing and improving the community and people around him. We will continue to honor this tradition.

• User Experience - Provides simplifi ed product navigation and purchasing to make it easy, quick, and convenient for beekeepers to fi nd the appropriate equipment to suit their colony needs.

• News and Events – Illustrates resources that allow beekeepers across the United States to locate and stay connected to their local and state beekeeping organizations through club meetings, mentors, and fi eld days.

During Oct, Nov, Dec our weekend hours are 7:30 AM CST - 12:00 PM every 1st Saturday of the month



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FAQsEditor’s Note: Because if you ask ten beekeepers the same question, you may get at least ten different answers, we’re sometimes walking on controversial ground with this regular feature. Our recommendation is to read, research, and discuss to figure out what’s best for you and your bees. There are few black and whites in beekeeping.

Q. Julie M. from Texas sent some photos and asked us to take a look. She says “I inspected the frames last night and found this one to look suspicious in my brood super. My concern is the black pattern. I panicked and thought it was moths or beetles. I pulled out something that looked like a little white larva which is what it might be. There was also something that looked like dead bees. In reading about this black pattern, I’m thinking and hoping that it could just be fecal matter and ??? Please take a look and give me your opinion. Thank you.”

A: We turned to author-beekeeper Dennis Brown, also a Texas beekeeper, for his insights1. Dennis asked if Julie was feeding them sugar syrup; she confirmed she was. As Dennis shared: “From the pictures there is no visible sign of any moth or beetle activity. If your concern is specifically the color pattern on the wax comb, there is nothing to worry about. Sometimes when you feed sugar water and the bees place it into the cells and then they pick up a natural nectar source and mix it with the sugar water by placing it in the same cell, that causes a pattern like the one you are experiencing. The thickness of the capping is not consistent and can cause a pattern look as well.

From what I can see in the pictures (no wax damage or moth webbing) I think you have nothing to worry about. I hope that this has helped you.”

Editor’s Note: Turn to Kelley’s for more of Dennis’ insights, available in his books (covers shown below).

Q. As long as we have Dennis answering questions, he handled this one from Susan of Texas, who asked “How much honey should be left in a brood box for the bees? All of it or can I harvest a couple frames?” Please note that how much depends upon where you’re located. Northern beekeepers may need 50 - 70 pounds or more.

A: For the winter time here in Texas, we like to make sure that the bees have a minimum of 35 pounds of honey available to them. It is not a good idea to harvest any honey from the bees’ two brood boxes. Those boxes should always remain theirs.

1 lonestarfarms.net

Beekeeping: A Personal JourneyandBeekeeping: Questions and Answers,bothcarriedbyKelley’s.

http://lonestarfarms.net/


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Q. Susan continued: “At what point should I reduce the number of brood boxes down to one box in prep for wintering?” Dennis Brown answers:

“We should all strive to get our bees to live in two brood boxes especially here in Texas. We don’t have a very cold or prolonged winter around here. This means that the hive population tends to be higher than in other areas of the country during those months. They will need to have enough food stored to carry their population during times when the plants are not producing nectar/pollen and yet the bees are still active.

You don’t want to reduce the hive down to a single brood box because this will encourage the bees to swarm when the temperature begins to warm up in late February. Some hives when feeling congested as early as February will make up their mind to swarm when it gets warmer and there is nothing you can do to change their mind. My advice is to always get your hives strong enough to keep them in two brood boxes.”

Q. Why is the sugar syrup you feed in the fall different than what you feed in the spring?

—M. Bower, Indiana

A: Fall syrup, a 2:1, is easier for the bees to more efficiently digest and turn into honey. See the side bar for the recipe—it isn’t quite as easy to make up as spring syrup. Special thanks to Don Lam2 for his overwintering wisdom.

Q. We are going to be starting with beekeeping next spring, and I was wondering if we might subscribe to your newsletter. My mother-in-law, who keeps bees, informed us that your newsletter has been one of the best sources of information she’s had. So looking forward to it. —Thanks much, Laurel A.

A: We encourage all beekeepers and friends of bees to go to www.kelleybees.com and subscribe. It is free.

Q. Over the years, we’ve received a few questions and comments from Tom S., whose wit I appreciate. Tom recently asked: “So, how do I lift full honey supers that are ‘heavier than a dead preacher’ (as my non-beekeeping brother says) without straining your lower back? There must be some beekeeping ergonomics here that I’ve not mastered. Pass the Dad-vil, as I call it.”

A: Remove a frame or two, or six—until you get the weight to something more manageable. Sure that’s a lot of work, but avoiding back trouble is worth it.

The big plastic storage tubs are the right size for Langstroth frames and are a bit easier for most of us to carry than a hive body of full frames anyway, because they have deeper handles and two people can tote them. A common practice, when you’re putting frames in it, is to cover it with a beach towel to keep bees out. It’s faster than snapping the lid on/off each time, and allows for partial, quick access—hopefully keeping bees out.

2 www.donlambees.com

FallSugarSyrupA2:1ratiomeans2cupsofsugarforevery1cupofwater.Itisnearlyimpossibletogetthatmuchsugartodissipateintohottapwater.You’lllikelyneedtofirstboilthewater,andthenremoveitfromtheheatbeforeyouaddthesugar,asscorchedsugarisn’tgoodforbees.

Forevery10poundsofsugar,bringtwoquartsandonepintofwatertoaboil.Removewaterfromheat,addsugarwhilestirringconstantlytogetittogointosolution.



http://www.donlambees.com


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Sweet as Honey

“ I’ve acquired my first bees by purchasing two nucs in May, and captured two feral bee swarms around the same time. I now have four bee hives and planning for more.

I started back in the winter by purchasing a number of books on bees and doing my homework! I was thoroughly amazed at what the bees do and how they can be handled! I have been blessed with an experienced beekeeper friend who has come by periodically to help me! You can’t beat experience to answer the every day questions that come up. The new hobby has become a family affair with the granny and grandkids joining in on a small harvest brought on by a hive being honey bound, right after the Chinese tallow nectar flow. Everyone in the family is amazed and absolutely enjoying the bee experience. My yard is full of flowers! Here in south Texas, I have flowers around my house twelve months of the year, and am presently waiting on the goldenrod bloom to round out the year’s harvest! I didn’t count on a first year harvest but have been fortunate enough to have harvested three gallons and with the next nectar flow in the fall maybe a little more!

Oh, I’ve been stung four times and it’s worth every one! This is for the backyard bee keeper, I hope it is inspiring!” —Thanks, Ron

Sorry to hear about the stings, but good to hear a newbee’s affirmation that the experience has been worth it nonetheless. Thanks Ron for reminding us the value of a good mentor, and congrats on a first-season harvest.

Reader Carolyn shared this link to a talented artist’s collaboration with bees: http://ladislavhanka.com/Ladislav_Hanka_Etchings/Bee_Keepers_Gallery.html.

We featured this unique art in a previous issue of our newsletter. Thanks Carolyn, for bringing it to our attention again; it is amazing.

Speaking of links, we’re hearing a lot of “buzz” about the movie More Than Honey, from which this is excerpted. A few folks have sent us this amazing footage from a drone congregation area: http://m.popsci.com/science/article/2013-09/follow-queen-bee-her-maiden-mating-flight?dom=tw&src=SOC.

Beautifulapiary,photocourtesyofRonF.

Ronsharesoneofthemanyadvantagesofkeepingbees.

Itlookslikeextractingtrulywasafamilyaffair.ThanksforsharingthepicsandthefunRon!

http://ladislavhanka.com/Ladislav_Hanka_Etchings/Bee_Keepers_Gallery.html

http://ladislavhanka.com/Ladislav_Hanka_Etchings/Bee_Keepers_Gallery.html

http://m.popsci.com/science/article/2013-09/follow-queen-bee-her-maiden-mating-flight?dom=tw&src=SOC

http://m.popsci.com/science/article/2013-09/follow-queen-bee-her-maiden-mating-flight?dom=tw&src=SOC


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“ I ordered a top quality large smoker and a metal smoker box from you this summer and your service was excellent! Today there are not many companies that can get what one ordered to them with the speed that you got my new smoker to me! I have wanted a smoker box for my smoker for decades and this summer I got something just for me, thank you.

My first wife and I visited your company in about 1980 to 1981 and got to take a ride around your company roads with Mr. Kelley and his dog. That wife is now deceased back in the late 80s but I still remember that day like it happened this past summer. Your company got me started with equipment back in the early 60s in Southern Indiana and that is a long time ago. I still remember those exciting days when learning about honeybees was golden! I tell persons often one of the best bee books ever is How to Keep Bees and Sell Honey. I read my first book ’til the cover started to fall off and I had to tape it back on to save it.” —Bob Parsons

“I have been keeping bees since 1952 and have never had anything like this happen to me before. After losing five colonies to a mother bear and her three cubs, I was able to keep only one hive over the winter.

On May 11th of this year, the hive swarmed and they flew 70 feet and landed in the top of a spindly tree nearby. I put the swarm in a nuc box and put it on the shed roof near where the original colony was. Five days later the original hive swarmed again. They flew to the top of the same tree as the original swarm and I put them in another nuc box. I then placed them next to the other nuc box on the shed roof. Four days later, the original hive swarmed again. The swarm flew up in the air about 12 feet, then settled back down on the shed roof and went back into the original hive. The next day (May 21st), the original hive swarmed again and went up into a nearby pine tree approximately 25 feet from the ground. I started to clear the brush around the tree so I could get a hive body under the limb the swarm had attached itself to.

I planned to shoot the limb off with a shotgun so it would fall into the hive body placed below. Before I was even able to get started, the swarm took flight and went through the woods and I was unable to find them. I was able to capture two swarms out of the three that left the original hive, but have never seen anything like this occur in all my years of beekeeping.” —Elmer S., Shavertown, Pennsylvania

Catalog#262


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Beekeeper R.S. sent us this photo found on Twitter.

We’d love to credit the originator if anyone knows of them, and love the idea. Hhhmm, maybe a new product line we should ask our talented seamstresses to create!

“ Thank you so much for the monthly newsletters. Love them and all the information.” —Thanks again, Jane R.

“We bought three packages of bees with queens. All are active. We use Warre style hives. We raise the active section and add the next section from below. We added the second hive section in July and when we looked in August the bees had not entered the second section of hive in all three. Every other year they have always filled two sections. Strange!” —Larry R., Ryan Apiary

Yes, they do love to keep us guessing!


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Dronings from a Queen BeeApitherapyBy Charlotte Hubbard, www.hubbardhive.com

Earlier this summer, daughter Jessica invited us to Washington, DC to join her in an August sprint triathlon. Her stepfather Marshall, who runs, swims and bikes (cycling about 100 miles a week, a point that will become key later), was very excited. I was also fine with the idea, and began training immediately for my critical role. My responsibility in these athletic events is to cheer while simultaneously downing a chocolate milkshake, and sometimes also a doughnut.

Marshall and I agree that southwest Michigan is the best place to be in the summer. We also agree that visiting our young adult children is a priority. But, we didn’t want to leave our bees for a week! We’ve had a rainy summer, and pollen sources would be plentiful. Being away would mean a delicate balance of ensuring the bees had enough room without giving them too much to defend.

Bees swarming was also definitely on our mind—and hopefully not on theirs. Our bees tend to swarm when we’re backing out the drive for any major trip. And did I mention we’ve had a rainy summer? If we were in DC when the sun finally came out in Michigan, we would miss a few days of, well, being with our beloved insects. We do so love our bees.

But most days, we love our children even more. Thus, we added a few extra honey supers and made a beeline for DC.

The sprint triathlon went swimmingly. When Jessica and Marshall suggested a day later that we bike to Maryland for lunch (32 miles round trip), I reluctantly agreed—as long as they would go slow for me. I’m a bit heavier these days following all that milkshake training.

The ride to Maryland (uphill the entire way) went well. Lunch was fabulous—no pedaling required, and there were milkshakes. We remounted for the ride home, oddly enough, again all uphill. How does that happen?

Halfway home we finally encountered the first downhill—a steep, sharp turn in the trail. Marshall, the very experienced biker, hung back to make sure Jessica and I made it safely. Yet it was Marshall who wiped out on the concrete crack, and Marshall who got the CT scan, the 37 x-rays, the smashed helmet, the broken elbow, the sprained wrist, the gash in his head, and blood all over his new shirt. Suddenly, all our summer plans, including pulling those honey supers and extracting upon our return, were changed. (BTW, please wear your helmet when biking. And, the bike was fine!)

Thanks to prayers, pain killers and toll roads, we made it back to Michigan uneventfully. We found our bees, well, busy as bees. Actually, that was how I found our bees. Marshall could be found napping in a chair between naps on the couch.

We’re blessed with great friends, many of whom asked how they could help. After my first husband died I worked bees by myself, so pulling supers without Marshall wouldn’t be a problem. But golly was it ever fun to reply, “Oh thank you! Would you help me rob about a dozen hives at their peak population?” Surprisingly, most people said they would help, although with about the same lukewarm enthusiasm I had for a 32-mile bike ride.

Because of his crash, Marshall is unable to do things for a while like bike, work, swim, scratch his nose or use the remote control. I am trying not to flaunt my two working arms, but when my nose itches, it sure feels good to just scratch it.

http://www.hubbardhive.com


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The always-active Marshall has been rather impatient with his recovery, and without much exercise, his mental attitude has sagged like unattended honeycomb in the summer sun.

Five days post-accident I could no longer delay our bee work. I awoke Marshall from his mid-morning nap to tell him I was headed to the apiary.

It was very hard to look at his swollen purple-green-yellow eye socket, but there was no missing the sadness in the little bit of eye that was visible. “Why don’t you come out with me and stand there, in case I need help diagnosing something?” I offered, not thinking about the difficulty of getting his unbendable arms in a protective suit.

“Yes, I could!!” Marshall’s face, unshaven for five days, lit up—except for that really puffy part. It just continued to look really puffy.

It took a while, but we finally got his battered arm and hand—OK, basically his entire battered body—into a suit. We considered not suiting him fully. We know stings have healing power, but based on Marshall’s condition, well, I’m not sure we have enough bees.

Marshall stood by the hives while I worked them. It pained him to NOT crack open a top cover open or pull a frame, though doing so with a broken elbow would have probably pained him even more. One of the goals was to check for a new queen. His broken bones and bruised ribs were forgotten when he was the first to spot Her Royal Majesty in all her elongated, amber glory.

They say that bee stings and other bee products have healing properties.

Based on Marshall’s smile—the first I’d seen in days, I know that to be true.

Marshall,pre-accident,workingwiththebees.


kelley bee news issue 40 • october 2013 modern...

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