Nana T's Bees

05/30/2023

I inspected today finally. They were definitely in need of more space! I split the first hive by moving some brood, honey, all accompanying bees, and drawn comb frames into a second hive. A couple frames that I moved had queen cells on them, so hopefully I've tricked them into staying in their new home instead of swarming.

After that hive was set up with an extra deep for honey, I added drawn frames to the original hive to replace those I took out as well as added another deep box of drawn frames for honey.

The 2nd hive wasn't quite as full so I decided to just add a honey super of drawn frames for them.

The swarm I recently acquired was a bit of a hot mess drawing comb all over the place on only half the box while 4-5 frames of drawn comb remained untouched. I scraped off the burr comb and mixed the frames up so there is now an empty frame between each full one. I also put an excluder on top to try to deter them from building more comb there.

Now I have a fourth hive, and may even get a summer harvest this year!

05/06/2023

I collected a swarm off a fence post Thursday evening. Today I looked in real quick to make sure they are okay and have a queen. I found this beauty on the last frame. Welcome to Nana T's apiary, Queen Seraphina! I hope y'all cool down once you're settled.

04/23/2023

06/06/2022

My 4 year old grandson is a beekeeper now! He was so brave and loved every bit of it. He helped me split my hive into two hives, and pointed out all the girls wearing pollen pants. 🌻❤️ 🐝 ❤️🌻

05/19/2022

Yesterday, 05/17/22, I was able to do my second inspection. It went well! The hive is close to bursting at the seams, so I'll split them into 2 hives within the next week. They don't seem to mind my interference, so that makes me happy. It's a bit overwhelming when you have a hive of bees dive bombing you with stingers at the ready. I'll get onto each pic to explain what it's of when I get a chance. I do take a full frame pic front then back starting at the right edge of the box and moving over. Anything on a frame side I want to look at closer later, I take a close-up of before turning the frame/putting it back in.

04/24/2022

I did my first hive inspection of the year today. Sadly, all but one hive was lost to winter. I had two surviving hives until winter #7 hit. :(

The hive was doing very well. They were so docile! I gently moved frames around and did a little housekeeping. I absolutely LOVE seeing the different pollen colors!!! It's like stained glass in a way. The arrow is pointing at the queen. You can see eggs, larvae at different stages, capped worker and drone brood (bubbled cells are drones-boys), honey, and all that beautiful pollen! Feel free to ask questions!

04/22/2022

The girls are all over one of my pear trees. It's so good to see them out and about!

03/15/2022

I lost a lot of tree branches during the last ice storm. Today the bees were all over these maple branch buds. It was great to see pollen pants on the girls again!

03/06/2022

Good morning!!!