With have completed of second recommended application of Apiguard for our bees. The results look good as the mite count was very low. However, I think what we have to look carefully for wax moths as the removable floored showed several clusters that maybe their lava. There was also a large wax moth cocoon too.
As we are using plastic foundation, our concern is they will destroy the brood food stored for the winter on the drawn comb.
As a result, we need to open the hive to check the frames and the health of the brood. We have been guilty of leaving fully opening the hive lately and as autumn draws in, we must prepare the colony for the winter.
Because we have not opened the hive up fully we have no idea of the state of the brood and of the queen. Last time we opened the brood box up we did not see the queen.
However, eggs, larva, and pupa seen, so she was somewhere within the hive. Observations of the bees activity would suggest she is still in residence. Only a clear sighting will confirm she is there.
Although we took two frames of sealed honey from the super we are still waiting to extract the honey. We have left the remaining honey for the bees to use in winter. This is our first year so the super will remain on the hive with the queen excluder removed.
Eventually, we will decide on whether we remove the super and frames with capped and uncapped honey next year based on results in spring 2020. Many beekeepers remove the supers and feed syrup or put fondant in the hive.
Unless advised differently we will not put any fondant in the hive. Our thinking is that if the bees need more food, they can get honey from the frames in the super. Removing the queen excluder allows the queen to move up with the nuc and survive.
Finally, the hive roof will have a layer of expanded polyurethane foam added, to reduce condensation. We have an open mesh floor and will not put a solid floor insert in. Our reasoning is that although it may be colder the circulating air will reduce any dampness in the hive. The extra honey in the super should compensate for any extra bee activity in keeping the nuc warm.
Then we will leave well alone. Only observing from the apiary, if on sunny days there are any defecating flights taking place.