This applies in particular to nuclei, but can also affect production colonies.
How to remedy the situation:
- Remove honey combs from the brood nest. Hang empty combs laterally to the remaining brood nest in the brood chamber. Positioned this way, the empty combs give the bees the opportunity to transfer honey from the brood nest to the outer area and expand the brood nest. Do not tear apart the brood nest with the attached combs. Dividing the brood body by inserting foreign combs can act like a divider board.
- If the extreme situation exists where brood is present alongside honey on all combs, the honeyed brood combs should be placed in a new space above a queen excluder. After the brood has emerged, the combs can be spun.
- Since honeydew is currently being brought in at this location, the stored honey may also be dark, mineral-rich honey. This is not suitable for overwintering and must in any case be removed before feeding.
- Light flower honey can remain in the nuclei for their nutrition. This does not apply to honey that tends strongly to crystallize.
- Pollen: If the hot, dry weather continues, the food supply, particularly pollen, will become scarce. Alternatives are very limited. Spun honey combs with pollen cells should be given to bee colonies instead of the comb storage. If necessary, the bee colonies must be moved to a better nectar flow area.
Also remember to assess and treat Varroa infestation after honey extraction.
Source:
Werner von der Ohe
with kind permission
LAVES Institute for Beekeeping
Herzogin-Eleonore-Allee 5, 29221 Celle