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Introduction In summer, worker bees typically live for about six weeks. In winter, however, they need to survive for six months or more. A colony therefore depends on producing enough healthy winter bees to carry it through the cold months. Yet winter bees are the daughters of the same queen as summer bees, so what…

There’s been a lot of discussion in scientific circles about whether animals are sentient beings. Most recently, The New York Declaration of 2024 states; ….. there is strong scientific support for attributions of conscious experience to other mammals and to birds. …the empirical evidence indicates at least a realistic possibility of conscious experience in all…

This article combines a field case study with a summary of current evidence on Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus. It begins with the signs observed in one Hampshire colony, then reviews distribution, pathogenesis, transmission, risk factors, management options, and the later decision to euthanize the colony after recurrence. In June 2023, while inspecting one of my…

Varroa infestation, and the effects of the viruses transmitted, are the main causes of winter losses and must be treated at the right times of the year: get the timing wrong and the winter bees which are essential for the survival of the colony, will be compromised. (Martin S J 2001)4 Mite infestations during August…

“In the world of the honey bee there are only 2 seasons, winter and preparing for winter” Anon Introduction The honey bee colony builds up to its maximum foraging force in July for the summer flow when it must accumulate enough food stores to last for the next 7 or 8 months. The population of…

Introduction The NBU stresses that swarms of unknown origin can carry disease or pests. Swarms should be treated as potentially infected until proven otherwise. Newly collected swarms should be kept separate from existing colonies. Ideally place them in a quarantine or isolation apiary. This reduces the risk of spreading diseases such as: American Foulbrood European…

Winter is upon us, and we have tucked up our colonies for the colder weather. Here on this corner of the south coast we enjoy a little microclimate, sheltered by the South Downs to the north, the Isle of Wight to the south-west and the moderating influence of the Solent. Frost and snow are rare…

The session was held in my home/queen rearing apiary, where all the equipment is on hand, instead of the teaching apiary. This is to be the last opportunity to rear queens as I’ve already noticed a drop in the number of drones and the amount of drone brood in all my colonies. Half a dozen…

We’re into July already and the summer flow is full on with Bramble and Lime in bloom. The warm, sunny weather has helped to stimulate nectar production, and plants or trees with deep roots can still find plenty of moisture. Other sources may soon start to suffer from drought stress and stop producing nectar unless…