Discussing Swarm Prevention and Collection
Well, now the season begins with the weather warming up and the bees are mobilising and activity increasing in and out of the hives. At our recent club meeting the subjects discussed were swam prevention and swarm collection.
David talked on swarm prevention detailing what to look for in the hive and how to take preventative measures to keep the bees from swarming. I know I was not the only one to prick up my ears realising that I needed to get a move on.
Douglas talked on the swarm collection with a number of props and discussed how to collect swarms in various positions (on trees branches, on tarmac and on fenceposts) it was alsodiscussed who to contact and who was the clubs swarm co-ordinator.
April also brings our “Introduction to Beekeeping” course which will be running over two days. The first day is held in the local village hall where a number of talks from members will go over all aspects of beekeeping and its aim is to give newcomers a taste of what is needed to keep bees how the bee works and advise on equipment. The second day is practical aspects of beekeeping at the Club Apiary, newcomers will be shown the basics of bee handling and some hands on wood work on frame making. Having completed this several years ago I am sure they will have a good time.
Webmaster’s note: The course was in fact 22nd and 23rd April and a great success. There is a separate blog item about it on this website here, and in a bit more detail on the Shipston Beekeepers website.
Along with the winter bee schools coming to an end, a group has been setup within the club to improve queen rearing and sharing the group has met several times and have plans for regular meeting throughout the season.
Stay tuned!
Ray Pearce