-Cheers to healthy, vigorous, and prosperous bees.

Looking Good - A Midsummer Bee Tale

The Bees

Let’s talk bees – they’re rocking a solid 14 frames. These little wonders are:

• Healthy as can be.
• Gentle souls, making beekeeping a breeze.
• Out there, living their best lives.
• A pure joy to work with.

But, let me tell you, dealing with the constant wildfire smoke this month has been a challenge. Some days, the air is so thick you could practically slice it. And when the smoke is heavy, the bees take it easy on the foraging front.

Plastic Frames

Now, about those Mann Lake PF-100 frames – the bees are head over heels for them, consistently drawing them out like pros. In a natural comb broodnest, you’d expect about 15% to be drone comb. Not so with the plastic frames – less than 3% is drone comb.

Is that a win? Who knows, but one thing’s for sure – plastic frames may not be the stars of the show, but they sure are the convenient sidekicks.

Thinking about trying your hand at small cell beekeeping? Skip the beeswax foundation drama and grab Mann Lake’s PF-100s. They’re a game-changer, saving you time and money.

Moving

-A gentle puff is all it takes for these sweet bees.

Instead of hauling the bees closer to alfalfa, I’ve kept them in town. The ag scenes aren’t what they used to be, especially with this drought hitting hard. There’s:

• More pesticide spraying.
• Less alfalfa.

Surprisingly, the bees have found their groove, working on Yellow Sweet Clover, Russian Sage, Dutch Clover, and various garden flowers. No major nectar flows, but we’re not in a dearth either.

Drought

The drought’s relentless grip has only tightened. Fire danger is off the charts. Using a lit smoker? Too risky.

Pests

-Who knew cactus could be a skunk and raccoon deterrent?

Ah, the season when everything flocks to water-rich areas. Even the bees and their pesky friends. Skunks and raccoons, the night bandits, are making a move. They come for the hives, pawing at the entrance, snacking on brave defender bees.

Usually, I’d show them the exit. But this time, I’m trying something different – a natural approach. I’ve brought in some cactus. Every desert creature knows to steer clear of it. So, I’ve planted a little cactus barrier in front of the hives.

So far, so good. But these critters are cunning. Time will spill the beans.

The Joy

My son Isaac.*

The bees are back in town – foraging in full swing. That’s the kind of news that brings a smile.

There are a few wild bees and bumblebees making a comeback too. Not as many or as diverse as before, but it’s a step in the right direction. And that, my friends, is pure joy.

Adding to the joy, my son Isaac paid a visit.

He:

• Grew up surrounded by bees.
• Worked with a commercial beekeeper as a kid.
• Doesn’t exactly have a soft spot for these buzzing critters.

His last visit to the beeyard was a different story. Yet, he’s concerned about me wrestling those hives. So, he tagged along.

This time, it was a lively and hopeful experience. Grateful for his care, company, and the awesome photos he snapped. Thanks, son. Love you. ✨

-Cheers, D 🍂🐝