June | 2010 | Attack of the 50 Foot Bug

Outside and inside view June 26, 2010

Posted by Stacey Rodgers in Uncategorized.
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Recently, I’ve added another super which is the orange section near the top of the hive. Due to the mid 90’s temperatures we are experiencing, the lid of the hive is propped open to allow better ventilation. The middle yellow super is just about full of honey. It probably weighs about 60 lbs. Unfortunately, this is honey that I can’t touch. This is what they will use to get through the winter.
I opened the hive this morning to check things out. Here is a frame that is in the process of being filled with honey. This one of the few photos from inside the hive that I’m happy with. The difficulty of taking good photos while dressed in bee garb can’t be underestimated. Plus, I was concerned about getting

Keep the back patio light turned off. June 25, 2010

Posted by Stacey Rodgers in Uncategorized.
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If I don’t keep the back patio light off in the evenings, I end up with this. Bees flying toward the light and getting separated from their hive all night. They’re usually very lethargic in the mornings after sitting out all night. Usually a small drop of honey is enough to wake them up and they fly away within 2-3 minutes.

Parasites! June 24, 2010

Posted by Stacey Rodgers in Uncategorized.
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I really shouldn’t be surprised to see this but, it’s still disappointing. This is the varroa destructor mite. Actual size is about 2 millimeters across. This mite was found on a larva that was removed from the hive. It’s a fact of life with bee keeping and unless you take preventative measures they will eventually destroy a hive. I don’t think the infestation is bad right now and I haven’t decided what to do yet.