Welcome to the December 2025 Newsletter from Rugby Beekeepers

Message from Cathy Moore
Two things to say this month; First is about feeding - Usually I have long since stopped feeding, but I put takeaway tubs on each of my hives last week and they’re all just about cleared. Bees are all over them. We’ve had a long relatively warm autumn, and that can mean the bees make inroads into their winter stores. Worth checking while there’s still time to feed them.
Second, my final report about the Yellow Legged Asian Hornet as we are asked to call them now.
There were more than double the number of nests found this year. Mostly on the South Coast, but occasional ones further inland. This year saw the confirmation that there have been overwintered queens hatched in the UK who had survived the winter and have subsequently successfully established nests.
I am passing the role of YLAH local coordinator to Liz Davies and I’m grateful to her for volunteering. Should next year be the one where the hornets are spotted, Liz will need support from both other beekeepers and members of the public. Please think about putting your name forward.
The YLAH Coordinators Role Each covers a large ground. If calls come in of a credible sighting via the Asian Hornet App, the Coordinator will go and place a bait trap asking the householder to observe for hornets. If the householder is not able or the sighting is not in a garden, then someone must pop over at least daily, possibly more often, to observe. Having people from all over the areas as a support can really help with this task without the actual Coordinator collapsing from exhaustion!
Cathy Moore

December has arrived and with it a few beekeeping chores are to be found to help support your hives over the next couple of months.
Varroa - sorry yet again but so important. You would be very wise as said before to perform a five-day mite drop count via an insertion board below the hive. If not already completed. National Bee Unit (NBU) advice is based on a treatment threshold of 1,000 mites in a colony. According to NBU to calculate the drop between November and February you multiply your daily mite drop by 400. This is explained well in Managing Varroa from the NBU.
According to the Mite count calculator
If..
Mite drop is less than 2.5 mites per day – don’t treat. Mite drop more than 6.5 per day – treat For further information see NBU advice and guidance.

Things to consider during December

• 5 day varroa mite drop count – see guidance if unsure.
• Clean repair all equipment ready for the new season.
• Check hives are protected from Woodpeckers, mice and other vermin as discussed in previous newsletters.
• If there is a flood risk, raise hives now before weather changes. Monitor the apiary constantly.
• Check stands remain strong and solid. Strap hives to stand in windy spaces.
• Check for stores - Cathy discussed the same in her opening sentences. Top up if you feel necessary with fondant.
• Do not open hives during the cold weather.
• Consider reading articles or books – many available from our RBKA library on a meeting night. First Wednesday of each Month during the winter.
• Attend local monthly meetings for information and experienced advice.
• Hope to see you all Wednesday 3rd December if you can make the date.
  
  Merry Christmas from Rugby Beekeepers Association,
  Gail Plester