Some Like It Hot!

So, yes, it’s been a bit warm for quite a while now….the understatement of the
summer! The sustained high temperatures have posed a real challenge for bees and
beekeepers, as well as pretty much every living thing. The heat has dried up the
nectar in plants so pollinators have had to search high and low for food, and we’ve
noticed that the flowers that are still blooming (wisteria, buddleia, hollyhocks) are
covered in butterflies, bees of every variety, wasps etc.

We have refrained from opening our hives and doing regular internal inspections due to the extreme heat – the risk of melting wax in the colonies, and heat stroke for us in our suits, has been enough to deter us. 

We have been hefting the hives to assess the amount of stores the bees have as, believe it or not, winter begins now and they need to ensure the larder is full. Some of our hives have been slightly lighter than preferred and so for the first time ever, we have been feeding a light, natural sugar syrup to get them through this period.

Their usual water sources are dry too and a lack of water for honeybees means a dearth of beeswax to make and seal cells as well as for their own hydration needs, so we've been doubling up on drinking stations around our property too.  

It was suggested by some bright sparks at our Bee Club that I copy a beekeeper who lives in California and famously works with her bees whilst wearing nothing more protective than a bikini. What a great idea….I tried it, I wasn’t any the cooler….!
Here’s to a cooler autumn – stay safe from the sun and well-hydrated 😅😅😅.

Amanda