Many local beekeepers lost colonies last winter. Members shared their experiences in our community group, and a few patterns came up. With the cold on its way, now is a good time to check your own bees.
What went wrong last time
- A long season, with an early start and late finish to brood rearing, gave varroa more time to breed. Some members saw a shocking mite drop even after an autumn treatment.
- Old or failing queens, and colonies that couldn’t replace a queen late in the season, did not make it through.
- In a cold snap some colonies clustered in the wrong place, away from their stores, and starved.
- Wasp damage and robbing left some hives empty.
What to check now
- Heft your hives or check stores, so you know the bees have enough food and where it is in relation to the cluster.
- Check mite levels after treatment, and follow the National Bee Unit’s guidance on varroa management.
- Reduce entrances, add mouse guards, and keep the hive dry and well ventilated.
- Think about uniting weak colonies rather than hoping they will pull through.
If you must move a hive
Members also asked about moving hives a short way in winter. The advice was that a short move, around 15 to 20 metres, can be done during a prolonged cold spell when the bees are clustered and not flying, handling the box gently. Leaving a spare box in the old spot for a few days can help catch stragglers.
If you do lose a colony, it is worth working out why, and members are always happy to compare notes. Ask in the community group or at a winter meeting.