Is it here? Is it finally here? No, not the hot weather…the honey flow! For a lot of us here in the Central Valley it seems like it has taken quite some time for the honey flow to increase. Speaking to a beekeeper from the Bay Area this week, he mentioned a decrease in honey flow due to the extended spring season they have had. Yet, it looks like the foothills are right on schedule - I witnessed the blackberries in the Sierra foothills flowering just this past week.

There is no doubt that the bees are working hard each and every day. I observed the bees in my own apiary and have seen them working the flowers in the morning, going for water in the later parts of the afternoon, and then hanging out on their “front porch” in the evening. This clinging to the outside of the hive can be due to the colonies heavy population and overcrowding and high temperatures. I like to insure my hives are well ventilated. By adding honey supers, I am easing the overcrowded situation and giving the bees something to do in drawing the foundation in the frames. I would much rather have my bees inside working safely than just lounging around on the front entrance of the hive.

How about those Varroa mites? You know, those unwanted pests that live in the brood and on the adult bees? If using a bottom screen board, pull the plastic tray out and check it for mites. This will give you some idea of your Varroa mite condition. Of the many ways of treating for mites, I prefer using the powder sugar technique during the honey flow. Although this will not eliminate all the mites, it will assist in controlling their population. It has been my experience that not treating infestation of Varroa mites in some form or fashion increased the loss of my hives last year. There are many methods out there. Research, talk to your bee buddies, and you should be able to find a method that suits you and your bees well.

The hive is going to go through a lot of changes in the next couple months. Keeping up with it, asking questions, contacting your beekeeping mentors, and reading will give you a fuller experience in the joys of beekeeping.