March finally brought some warmer weather and an opportunity to check on the health of our colonies. Sadly 1 out of 3 hives didn’t make it through the winter in our apiaries in Kirkby and Old Swan and even worse, 2 out of 3 had disappeared here in Croxteth –gutted. The lucky survivors still had plenty of winter stores and the queens had begun laying again. Each hive has been given its first varroa treatment.
Varroa mites are a parasite of honey bee colonies, they are common nearly everywhere honey bees are found and have became a major western honey bee pest since the 1980’s. The mites are now the most serious pest of western honey bee colonies and one of the primary causes of honey bee decline . A western honey bee colony with Varroa, that is not treated to kill the pest, will likely die within one to three years. So it’s vital we keep them in check!
Hopefully April will bring some more settled, warmer weather just in time for Easter and The Grand National (Hot Tip Many Clouds @ 50/1 worth a bob e/w)
Ged
Varroa mites are a parasite of honey bee colonies, they are common nearly everywhere honey bees are found and have became a major western honey bee pest since the 1980’s. The mites are now the most serious pest of western honey bee colonies and one of the primary causes of honey bee decline . A western honey bee colony with Varroa, that is not treated to kill the pest, will likely die within one to three years. So it’s vital we keep them in check!
Hopefully April will bring some more settled, warmer weather just in time for Easter and The Grand National (Hot Tip Many Clouds @ 50/1 worth a bob e/w)
Ged