A welcome to May from Cathy, and an update on Yellow Legged Hornets (now the preferred name to Asian Hornet);

Jersey first, to date 765 queens have been caught with 42 early nests found and destroyed. These numbers are much larger than previous years. A warm spring is as good for the hornets as it is for us. In the UK the most recent report was on April 25th where there have been a small number of queens found in Hampshire, around Marchwood and Hythe. Most are being spotted in Kent and Sussex. In Warwickshire we are in a zone where monitoring is not requested, but with such numbers already, please stay vigilant. Also, photos are essential should you spot an AH, immediately send photos via The Asian Hornet Watch app. Cathy Moore

May generally brings with it, the management of swarming’ You should already have your preferred swarm plan and boxes ready. This can be daunting to new beekeepers, but if in doubt contact your mentor, or follow advice readily available in good beekeeping books and literature. Points to consider during May;

Be prepared, have plenty of equipment ready and check colonies at appropriate intervals Bees are crafty; they squeeze queen cells into the most unexpected spots. Look for them, then look again! Disease checks are so important. Do spend a session thoroughly checking for disease on a warm day. Sadly, I am aware of two hives already identified as diseased. Update yourself on what is normal and healthy, both in young brood and mature bees. The National Bee Unit provides guidance if needed. Comb change - many beekeepers do this annually to reduce risk of infection for others this is generally around the 2nd to 3rd year when the combs are starting to darken . There are various ways of changing frames. Beekeepers have their own methods but generally it’s a Bailey comb change or Shook swarm method that is used. The National Bee Unit has clear guidance to follow if needed. Have supers ready to place on hives as needed, keeping one ready over the crown board appears very wise indeed. It is good practice to keep supers for their own individual hives to reduce cross infection. A good marking system helps, especially during the extraction period and over wintering. Weekly inspections now are ideal to reduce the risk of swarming. Do not forget to check the old queen’s hive for further queen cells 7 days after an artificial swarm. I have already found cells in 2 different hives a week after splitting with an artificial swarm. Enjoy your bees.

We have the Rugby Spring Fayre all arranged on May 5th thank you to those of you supporting the event.
Dunchurch Fete is June 22nd
Wolston Fete is June 29th

These are usually well attended and offer an opportunity to chat to beekeepers and the public about beekeeping at all levels. We still really need helpers for these two events, thank you to those that have already volunteered. Even if you only have 1-2 hours free we would welcome your support, you do not need to be an experienced beekeeper to help. Please contact me if you can help at either event.

Gail Plester