March

In March, as soon as the weather permits, it is time to think about medicating your bees. In Colorado we usually use 3 medications. Terramycin for American and European Foul Brood, Fumidil for the disease, Nosema, and Apistan for Varroa Mites.

Liz and I have put our first round of medicine on in between snows. We put our Terramycin in sugar syrup. Actual recipe is: a 5 lb. bag of sugar in a gallon jar mixed with water, then place one teaspoon of powdered, water soluable Terramycin in a smaller glass and add a little water and stir to dissolve. The smaller glass is added to the large jar and mixed well. Terramycin is good mixed as a liquid for about 5 days. Beyond that it isn't much more than extra food for the bees. Terramycin is affected by light so be sure to cover the syrup with a deep or other dark container -- or, when you return to the field you'll find a jar of totally black syrup that the bees won't touch.

We have found that it is much easier to medicate with liquid Terramycin than grease patties. The bees get more down and we don't end up digging patties out of the hive for months afterward.

Stay tuned for descriptions of the next medicating efforts and we'll describe the process for the Fumidil and Apistan strips.

Happy Easter!

March - Check your hives for survival rate

As soon as the weather is over 50 degrees and clear, check your bee hives to see which have survived or possibly need help.

Don't be un-nerved by the number of dead bodies in front of the hives, it is typical winter die off and most hives will still have a healthy population. Bodies littered on the snow make an even more dramatic effect being more noticeable on a clean, bright background.

I checked my and Liz's hives Sunday, February 24th when it was 61 degrees. We are happy to report 100% survival. This could change in March as it is our snowiest month, and food stores could be running low. We will monitor and feed weaker colonies as needed. Next big event will be medicating for spring and installing package bees. Swarms usually start in April.

Welcome to High Land Beekeeping Club

The High Land Beekeeping club meets on the third Thursday of each month in Littleton Colorado from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. We would like to welcome all beekeepers to join our club or blog to ask questions and trade information. Please request detailed information from this blog if interested in attending.

This blog site was created February Monday, February 25th at 7:09 a.m.

Jo Haugland
President
High Land Beekeeping Club