Finally, we brought our bee home last night and put them on their stand at about 10 o’clock.
Next, we need to add the rapid feeder with syrup to encourage the bees to draw out the remaining brood frames.
This we did early the next morning adding the feeder to the crown board and then placing an empty super on top to allow the roof to fit.
Although the bees look settled, we will monitor them over the coming days to check their flight paths will not cause a nuisance to neighbours.
Because we have 3 dogs, we are working on a gate that will allow us to get into the apiary easily yet keeps the dogs out. As they are small and agile, easier said than done.
Meanwhile, we are busy preparing the solution in which to sterilize our hive tools, using washing soda crystals.
Because of the Varroa and other diseases we are trying to reduce any contamination within the apiary.
One very important tool is the smoker. Although most smokers have a caged surrounding them to prevent you from getting burnt, the base does not and it gets boiling hot.
Therefore, be mindful of where you put it down, as it will easily burn through plastic and leave burn marks on any wood. Any flat non-combustible surface will do; we use a large ceramic floor tile.
This results from forgetting to put on a none plastic surface
A new
Yes, all my mistakes and so easy to do when thinking about other things. Be aware and be careful.