Night time activity

Out to find slinks the cat who is usually at the bottom of the garden, we have to go past the hives to find her.  Tonight though our Buckfast seem to be acting a bit differently.  They are huddled at the entrance of the hive.

Bad times v Good times

Sadly after inspecting our 2nd hive (Carnies) we discovered not 4 x Varroa per 9"sq but over 100.  This is not good at all because it means we have a problem.  We dusted with icing sugar, to remove any from the comb but the ones inside the capped brood are the problem.  They are still in there.  Treating with apiguard at next inspection just to make sure. 

The small dark dots are varroa mites, they look like tics.

On a positive note, we had a bit of a messy time this weekend after extracting 44lbs of honey!!!  and there is still some left to remove.  Can't believe it, our first year and we get that much.  Even got mum roped in, she loved it. 

Our new tower block

Another check this weekend, we now have a tower block in the garden.  Our busy Buckfast bees have really been going at it this last few weeks.  There are now 3 x supers (honey storage areas).  I think soon I will have to start taking orders. 

The Carni's are doing well too, they have certainly grown and have now been extended as the Buckfast were on week 4.  Any honey they produce will stay in the hive for their winter stores. 

The pics below are from the Buckfast.

A bit like a jigsaw puzzle, good job we know how to put it all back. 

Below are a couple of pics from the Carni's

very busy bees

Is it just us or is everyone having to put extensions on their hives?  ours looks like a 4 storey tower block now!  I'm not complaining because we've gone from "oh we might get some honey" to "er I think we are going to need more jars!!!"

Its amazing, we added  super last weekend and within 5 days they have filled it!  I am so excited, we inspect tomorrow it'll be interesting to see just how much they've done in a few days. 

Update tomorrow, with pics hopefully.

Update

Sunday the 27th was eventful.  Mum came over so was initiated into the hive inspection routine and did really well too.  Thanks mum x

Our Buckfast bees (Harmony 1) have gone mad, we opened up the hive and couldnt believe how full it was, there is a brood box and a half which has been filled by larvae and eggs with a little honey too and not a lot of room for movement.  We have ended up adding a super (for honey stores) so you never know, we may even get a harvest from our girls this summer. 

The Carni's (Harmony 2) are also doing well, they have moved outwards, filling the brood box, eaten all of the sugar syrup so we have added a super because it wont be long before they catch up to the Buckfast bees.  Apparently they build up their colony much quicker than other bees. 

My OH is no longer a virgin!  he was laying on the grass next to one of the hives, (he does this most nights) just watching them.  Anyway he must have laid on one, the next thing you know there is a sting in his leg.  That'll teach him for not wearing long trousers lol!!!  As soon as I have time I will put some pics on, there is a great one of a young bee hatching out.  ttfn x