It's that time of year when wasps become increasingly reviled by beekeepers. The ecology of wasps differs from bees in many ways despite their relatedness. Wasps are omnivores, and feed their larvae protein in the form of other insects (including bees and their grubs), and the adults consume carbohydrates in the form of any sugar, … Continue reading Wasps and beekeepers
Category: Wayward Bee
Moving a WBC
Most beehives only need to be moved occasionally, and when they do, it is a question of blocking them in at night, moving them to their new location early the next morning, and letting them orient to their new spot. As long as they are at leasts 3 miles away from their previous location, there … Continue reading Moving a WBC
Tea and Cake
During lockdown, my very good friend Nicky @clarapeggoty on Instagram had the generous idea of making something for people to give to them once some semblance of normality had retuned. I was the fortunate recipient of a beautiful knitted tea cosy which is perfect as I have leaf tea from the B-corp Brew Tea Company … Continue reading Tea and Cake
Vlog!
I have taken the decision to shelve all my face-to-face courses as the uncertainty continues, and the possibility attendees--or me--needing to self-isolate on an ad hoc basis as the lockdown lifts makes trying to plan dates rather a nightmare, and that's before the social distancing measures that need to be in place. I am very … Continue reading Vlog!
New colony in the Thermosolar hive
I collected a swarm from another beekeeper a few days ago, and as they were a prime swarm (by all accounts) and are managed, but not treated for Varroa, I thought they would work well down at the solar farm in the Thermosolar hive. I took them down to the site the following evening, so … Continue reading New colony in the Thermosolar hive
Modern calligraphy
Brief diversion from the bees as the rain poured down! Since the coronavirus outbreak, I have been selling my eggs directly to people and I reuse old egg boxes. I was given some brush pens for my birthday, and a book on modern calligraphy and lettering: The pens are a make called BAOKE and I … Continue reading Modern calligraphy
Bait boxes, and chickens
The weather is doing its best to cheer up a bit, and it is a good idea to get your hives baited with some lemongrass or geranium essential oil to encourage a nearby colony to come and take a look. I have some detailed information on how I do this - and have been successful! … Continue reading Bait boxes, and chickens
Flour and friends
I am starting the sourdough courses this weekend, and have ordered some important and interesting flours to both try myself, and demonstrate to the bakers. Flour? Important? Interesting?? Seriously? Well, yes. I listened to a brilliant series of podcasts by Farmarama, where they discussed the grain used for baking bread, from growing, to harvesting, to … Continue reading Flour and friends
Primary Paper
Back in August, I had the pleasure of hosting a photoshoot at my house for a publication called Primary Paper, the theme being "Environment". I had warned the photographer, Morgan Hill-Murphy that I had colonies dotted around in a natural setting rather than gangs of hives in rows, and that I wouldn't necessarily be able … Continue reading Primary Paper
Bees in winter
I read a very interesting thing on Twitter this evening - I'm amazed to have found something noteworthy in amongst all the General Election mudslinging - from someone called Joe Ibbertson (@BizzleBugs) who I follow as he is also a treatment-free beekeeper: I think this is a really great summary. Consider this: a fundamental aspect … Continue reading Bees in winter