As the saying goes ‘A swarm in June is worth a silver spoon’.

Beekeepers have in many cases been frantically splitting hives to prevent swarming, but we are still getting reports of course, of swarms. So I do hope all of our members requiring a swarm are successful in achieving one over the next month.

Many members will have extracted by now or seriously thinking about extracting, especially if they have oil seed rape growing close to their apiaries. You must extract as the fields go from yellow back to green as the honey crystalises very quickly and could be almost impossible to extract once set. Remember we do have a branch extractor for hire if required.

An interesting fact is that brood can become undernourished, especially when the area has been truly dominantly by one major crop such as oil seed rape. Whether you have extracted or not you must be mindful of what is known as the ‘June Gap’, this is a well known period when the available forage is reduced. Your ‘June gap’ will depend upon which crops are available or not available, in the fields and hedgerows around your individual apiary. Bees may need a temporary light feed at such times. So keep checking the level of stores in the hives and if the level is low put a feeder with syrup in on them. However, if you have supers on the hive you cannot feed syrup as it will adulterate the honey.

Reminders for the June diary;

• Unwanted visitors may be highlighted by short silvery lines along the capped brood, look for the wiggly pale wax moths, take the hive tool and remove them.
• Splits may still be necessary but with caution if local forage is reduced. Observe the entrance to see what/ how much the bees are taking into the hive.
• Hygiene - keep your standards high. Ideally wear a clean suit to each apiary. Prepare your cleaning solution for each apiary. Consider wearing clean disposable gloves for each hive.
• Disease check - be mindful of what is normal, if in doubt take photographs and seek advice. A Varroa count is worth considering via a varroa board insert, see National Bee Unit for guidance.
• Consider setting out bait hives if you are looking for a swarm.
• Keep the apiary safe - grass, wild brambles and nettles can make the ground around the hive unsteady.
• Carry out weekly checks for swarming until your bees have swarmed or you have performed a split.
• Again, a reminder to closely check on stores, do not let your bees starve after all their hard work and yours.

Gail Plester

Apiary meetings continue, dates and the subject matter for the sessions have been sent out.

A large thank you to those members that helped support the RBKA stall at the Rugby Fete.

We have two further events over the summertime, should you be able to offer any help with either, please contact the committee member responsible