January in the Apiary

Normally there is not a lot happening at this time of year out in the apiary. However this month it looks like we are not having many freezing nights and mid January where I am should be warm enough for bees to be flying. This is true the last week of the month if the forcast is correct. However the temperatures should be getting a little cooler during the daytime after 7th January. Hopefully it will also refrain from raining. This warmish but wet spell has meant the bees have been venturing out when the sun has shone.

If not completed in December the treatments for Varroa can be carried out. The colony is likely to be in a fairly tight or loose cluster at this time of year with very little brood, so ideal for Varroa treatment. The mites tend to be on the bees rather than in capped cells so oxalic treatments are effective in mite removal. (Either trickle or vapourisation  can used.) 

You can also check on food supplies for the bees. Hefting is a good method to estimate stores. By hefting hives during the autumn you get a feel for how much of the stores have been used during the winter months without opening the hives. By lifting the hives slightly at one side and then the other you can become accustomed to the weight changes taking place within the hive. Not forgetting to factor in the possibility of wooden hives gaining weight due to hives absorbing moisture. If hives feel lighter it may be useful to add some fondant on the top of the frames above the cluster to allow easy access to the emergency food source. This year all but one of my hives had ample stopres by November but the mild weather has meant another couple now feel light. So I have put emergency stores in the hives "just in case".

Checking hives after storms is always a good idea. If in a windy area check hives have not blown over and any strapping has not loosened. Heavy drifting snow can also block entrances and needs to be cleared to allow bees to enter and leave for cleansing flights when the weather permits. Though here near Doncaster I don't think snow will be a problem this year though high rainfall has hit some areas badly.

The cold days and early nights are an ideal time to read some of those books either for study purposes or for pleasure.  The more active of you can always start preparing equipment for the forthcoming year of beekeeping. There are always boxes and frames to build or clean.