Looking forward to the spring and possible swarm control measures we decided we needed to clear and prepare ground around the hives at Cordwood to enable us to act decisively if the need arose. In theory new queens are less likely to swarm in their first full year if they are given the right conditions in the hive. All our queens were new queens last year!
Last year was unusual in that many bee keepers found their colonies acting strangely. This year we aim to be ready for (nearly) anything. We have ordered plenty of equipment and clearing space to perform artificial swarms seems a logical step.
So this week (while I have been at work) Trev, with help from Rob, has been hard at work clearing, levelling and cutting down! It is amazing how much space has been created by cutting back the hedge on site; he has done a grand job!
What we could do with now is an easy and light stand for bee hives so they can be moved quickly. One bee keeper I know uses old milk crates- ideal to quickly level and place a hive on for an artificial swarm. Our task now is to try and find a legitimate source of used but serviceable crates.
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