APAIRY NOTES FOR JUNE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 136, 10 June 1937, Page 8

APAIRY NOTES FOR JUNE

FACTORS OF IMPORTANCE The conservation of stores and heat are two factors of importance to be remembered at this time of the year. Where colonies are headed by vigorous queens brood may be found in large quantities and it is then that it becomes necessary to consider to what extent stores may influence the queen’s activity. An abundance of stores encourages a queen to continue laying well into the autumn, thus maintaining a hive activity that is desirable. The consumption of stores during the winter is not high—between 301bs and 401bs. per colony should be ample. It should be remembered that the creation of heat utilises energy and causes a drain on the food supply, consequently ti is not economical for bees to have to maintain warmth in unused spaces. Where possible the bees should be wintered in one box. Remove surplus combs not being used by the bees. As winter progresses, the bees will desert the lower box for the top, where it is warmer, leaving the unoccupied combs at the mercy of moth and mice. Once the bees are established in the winter quarters with a sufficiency of food and warmth, they should not be disturbed. Care should be taken to see that stands are in good order and keeping the hives off the ground, away from dampness, with a slight tilt forward to allow any moisture that may collect in the hive to run out. If there is any danger of lids being blown off, heavy weights may be placed on top. The best time to move hives is during the winter months. When establishing new apiaries, it should be remembered that besides the questions of shade and shelter, the water supply plays an important part in the hive and a beekeeper setting up a new apiary should not overlook that fact. If the bees’ water supply is too far distant, many thousands of bees may be lost during the early spring. If there is no natural source at hand, the apiary should be provided with an artificial water supply.