Welcome to the November 2025 Newsletter from Rugby Beekeepers

There continues to be a rise in the number of Asian Hornets and nests. Over 500 sightings and nearly 200 nests found and destroyed. The NBU is scaling back its vigilance for the year. It is thought it’s unlikely for one to be spotted in Warwickshire this winter. But next spring is likely to be a different story !
Cathy Moore

The recent National honey show was again really interesting, the honey, mead, and vinegar produce was an amazing sight, glistening along the many tables. The art work and creative ideas were thought provoking and interesting with the added bonus of many lectures given by quality speakers. Really worth a visit if you get a chance to go one year, it’s held at Sandown Race course. Not unsurprisingly there were quite a selection of talks around the subject of the Asian Hornets activity and monitoring. Warwickshire again presented a variety of produce, Rugby’s Steve Brown was awarded a second prize for his Crystallised honey, also for his photography - well done.

Things to consider during November

• Mouse guards - help prevent unwanted pests climbing into a hive, but dead bees can accumulate behind the guard and basically block the entrance. Monitoring the guard is one way to reduce this occurrence, or place the guard upside down, this will reduce 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/ early December via a clean varroa insert below the colony, to give an idea of whether treatment is necessary. The National Bee Unit will guide you on level of drop and which registered products are licensed for use in the UK. The ideal time for treatment is when colonies are most likely to be broodless or have the least brood. Of course this depends on the weather, but December/January are generally the months of choice. Remember most treatments do not work on varroa in sealed brood cells.
• Bees – each time a hive is opened it takes the workers a considerable time to reseal. So only open if necessary.
• Do ensure stores are adequate to see bees through the winter, as the mild autumn has encouraged bees to continue flying and by doing so, may have used an element of their stores. 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 the crown board without disturbing the bees. As we know each colony differs in demands/needs.
• Autumn / early winter - Check hives for damage and repair or exchange any leaky roof. Check bee shed for equipment that needs a little attention too. It's a good opportunity to make a list of equipment needed for next year, ready for the trade shows.
• 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 you could start a BBKA exam programme.
• Do remember we have a good library available on Wednesday evening meeting nights. The latest library list is on the website.
  Gail Plester