Jan

November

Page 2 of 2

ROUND UP TIME

Early in the month we move all beehives out of yards that are likely to present accessibility problems when the weather turns off nasty. It's the time of year the weather can literally do anything - rain, snow or even sunshine. The worst part about it is - it's a guessing game.

All thoughts of flowers and nectar flow are history for the year, although there are a few pollen producing plant varieties the bees work on days they can fly. The main concern now, is to gather them on high ground close to a road so we can get them to storage later in the month when it gets colder.

It's a balancing act between leaving them in the yards too long, and bring them to a central location too early. But if they stay out til the snow flies a 30 minute job of loading with a fork lift can become an all day project!

1. Yarding up the hives on higher ground in late fall.

SINGLE LIDS

This is the time of year the single lids come off and a double wide winter lid goes on. The single lids work well in the dry summer when the hives are supered up, but in the wet weather of late fall and winter the gap between the two side by side single lids forms a channel for rain water to run down down between the two boxes exposing them to constant dampness and promoting rot.

Although I've never seen another beekeeper with this type double lid, they do provide better protection from the weather during the winter months. They always seem to get a double take when others see them for the first time!

2. Changing lids for the winter and being brave for the camera.

3. My buddy Juan shown here with the hives all ready for winter - note the hive entrance reducers which help keep the bees warm during the winter.