It appears 21 Asian Hornets have been found so far this year. The nests have all been found in the southeast, primarily Kent and Sussex, with lower numbers than expected probably due to the poor weather. It is still important to be mindful of looking for nests high in trees and reporting any sightings.

Beginners course Places remain should you hear of any interested parties, but we have had several people register on the course already.

Stores Vigilance needed regarding stores because autumn has been mild which has encouraged the bees to continue flying and by doing so, use up their stores.

Cathy Moore

Things to consider over November

Mouse guards - are very useful to prevent unwanted pests climbing into a hive, but dead bees can accumulate behind the guard and basically block the entrance. Monitoring is one way to reduce this occurrence, or some people place the guard upside down to reduce risk of blockage at the base.

Varroa - Part of the usual integrated pest management is the action of winter treatment of the bees. Check the drop number of varroa in November to give an idea of whether treatment is necessary; BBKA and other good articles have advice to guide you on the level of drop and what registered products are licensed for use in the UK.

Bees – each time a hive is opened it takes the workers a considerable time to reseal. So only open if necessary. However, if you heft / weigh a hive and feel stores are low you could consider swiftly adding fondant. Chinese takeaway pots are a good size for the fondant and easily popped onto crown board. As we know each colony differs in demands / needs and bees continue to fly with the mild temperatures, so stores will be depleted as discussed above.

Autumn / work - Check hives for damage and repair or exchange any leaky roof. Check bee shed for equipment that needs a little attention too. It's maybe a good opportunity to make a list of equipment needed for next year, ready for the trade show/ sales. Dave Bonner recently gave a talk on the universal use of nucs in the apiary, you may wish to make / buy one or more to broaden your beekeeping.

BBKA exams or further reading – it may be a good time to put your feet up for 30 minutes and read about a specific subject that interests you or start a BBKA exam programme.

Do remember we have a good library available on meeting nights, email me with requests or speak on Wednesday evenings.

The recent national honey show was interesting, speakers were varied in nature and well presented, methods of tracing Asian Hornets were amazingly thought provoking. There were several entries from Warwickshire in the show, which was good to see. From Rugby Steve Brown won 3rd prize for his soft set honey [very well done] and a highly commended for a photograph. I did manage to be awarded a highly commended for a Lyric, but Rugby Beekeepers were given a Commended award for the last three Rugby Newsletters !! …so historically I wish to say congratulations to the memory of Bruce Roberts for initiating the newsletter, for Margaret Holdsworth for putting form and direction into the past newsletters which continues to this day, and Martin for waving a very professional IT wand over the news that Cathy and I put into the newsletter each month. Don’t think I could go through the pressure of entering again next year though! Gail Plester

Next Meeting Will take place on Wednesday 6th of November when Steve Brown gives a talk on how to process your wax.