Embracing Early Summer Vibes
Hello Bee Lovers! 🌼✨ Ah, Dandelion season—the sweet arrival of early summer. It’s the time when our buzzing friends recover from winter’s chill, thanks to the abundance of spring resources and the warm embrace of the sun.
As the early spring forage begins to bid farewell, especially with the fading dandelion bloom (oh, the nostalgia!), we eagerly await the blossoming clovers in the weeks to come. Our vibrant colonies, now at their prime, are in the spotlight. But hold on, it’s a bit of a juggling act, as even the finest colonies face challenges:
- A potential shortage of feed leading to starvation.
- The desire to swarm.
- The need for some comb management.
- And perhaps a move to summer pastures.
Feeding Frenzy
Watch out for a nectar dearth right after the dandelion bloom. While a large colony may have stored surplus honey during a spring flow, bad weather can quickly put them on the brink of hunger. Don’t let them go hungry—check out the feeding page for some insights.
Swarming Sensation
Ah, the dance of swarming! Every healthy, robust colony aims for it in early summer. Swarming is a hot topic with a delicate balance between preventing it and maintaining the well-being of the colony. For some intriguing thoughts, head over to the swarming page.
Hive on the Move
Moving hives becomes essential, especially when the perfect forage location is a rare find in our modern world. Hives often find new homes for various reasons.
When it comes to top bar hives, comb attachments are like a beekeeper’s BFF during a move. Keep them intact, and never disturb a top bar hive right before moving. Let those busy bees repair any cut comb or attachments before they hit the road.
Before the move, clear out all feeders or any bits and bobs stored inside a top bar hive. Loose items can wreak havoc and, trust me, you don’t want your hive suffocating on honey-packed comb.
Handling top bar hives during a move requires some muscle and planning. They’re a bit like lifting weights—bulky, heavy, and not the easiest to maneuver. So, brace yourself with a truck or trailer, some mechanical assistance, or a friendly neighbor to make the move smoother. Moving any beehive is, let’s admit it, always a bit of a challenge.
Comb Care
Now is the perfect moment to show some love to the comb, ensuring that your top bar hive remains a joy to work with. As the summer heats up and bee activity surges, working with comb becomes trickier. Get some inspiration for top bar hive comb management on the comb page.
Wishing you all a bee-utiful early summer filled with honeyed delights and happy hives! ✨
-Buzzingly Yours, D 🐝🤠
