February Update from Nature's Nectar blog

Follow the link to an article in the Nature's Nectar blog.  The author seems to like Saskatraz queens.  In my apiary they are faring slightly worse than Purdue Mite Biters.

naturesnectar.blogspot.com/

NEW WAY TO FIGHT VARROA AND DWV???

Here is a link to an interesting article on a potential way to fight varroa and deformed wing virus (DWV).

https://phys.org/news/2020-01-bacteria-bees-pests-pathogens.html

Siting an Apiary

Starting a new apiary or adding a remote apiary.  Here are a few things to consider.  Follow the link.

https://betterbee.com/content/siting-an-apiary.asp?utm_source=Betterbee+Contact+List&utm_campaign=f2957e34aa-february-newsletter-020620&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_61e19f35ed-f2957e34aa-190789533&mc_cid=f2957e34aa&mc_eid=f947ce30f5

BIOTECHNICAL MITE CONTROL

Follow the link to an interesting YouTube video on mite control with minimal or no chemical controls.  It shows how queen caging, artificial swarming and brood trapping will control mites to very low levels.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuJlgzcQWAg

BLUE BIRD DAY

Once in a while we get a blue bird day; sunshine, little wind, and warm temps. This Sunday I think we just had our blue bird day for February; sunshine galore and warm temperatures (for February that is). 
  

Although the temperature only reached a high of 44F, the microclimate on the south face of the hive was considerably warmer.  I placed a thermometer on the face of one of my hives and recorded 65F.  This warm temperature allowed the bees to warm their flight muscles and then take short voiding flights.  I also noticed that flight activity was significantly greater in my mating yard which is protected on three sides from the wind.

  

Unfortunately, some of the bees don’t make it back to the hive and can be seen sprinkled on the snow.   Also, on the snow are those golden spots indicating they accomplished their goal of voiding waste products that they have been holding all winter.   Although a few bees don’t make it back to the hive overall the ability to take voiding flights is more beneficial to overall hive health than the loss of a few bees.  

Tomorrow we will be back to normal February temperatures so we should be glad of the blessing of this one blue bird day.