Spring Alert!
After watching the trees it seems we’re up for a burst of Tulip Poplar blooms sooner than later. It would be best to prepare for a heavy nectar flow over the coming weeks. We will need to watch this potential rain forecasted because it can significantly impact the large blooms.
If you haven’t already, take this week to finish preparations for the upcoming flow (frames, boxes, extraction tools, containers, etc.). Keep an eye on your hives and watch for overcrowding as the nectar becomes available. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out. ~ Matt Van Horn
May To-Do’s:
May showers bring May flowers, and the bees are taking full advantage. They also signal the beginning of our first main nectar flow later this month. Keep an eye out for Tulip Poplar blooms and plan accordingly. Locust, blackberry, and several other flowering plants will also become available this month. Make sure you have plenty of frames and boxes to account for the influx of nectar. Also, purchase and prepare all necessary extraction and honey equipment such as bottles, lids, and strainers.
Continue to monitor for pests and diseases but limit inspections to allow for unobstructed honey collection and preparation. Swarming will still occur though it may become less common as the major honey flow takes precedent. While the temperatures continue to rise make sure colonies have ready access to water if a close by source is not available. Now is also time to consider planting annuals for future nectar and pollen sources.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are more than happy to help.
Bee Informed!
In the News …
- Survey Reveals Over 1.1 million Honey Bee Colonies Lost submitted by Matthew C. Van Horn
- Sunflowers Linked to Reduced Varroa Mite Infestations in Honeybees submitted by Chris Marok
- First Vaccine for Honey Bees Approved by USDA, submitted by Don Reynolds
- US approves world’s first vaccine for declining honey bees, submitted by Holly Cole