Category Archives: Transparent hive

There seems to have been a peak that may now have passed. The recent mite-fall figures are: 5th June 0; 6th June 0; 7th June 2; 9th June 1; 12th June 9; 14th June, 11.50 am 30 + 26 at … Continue reading →

Something strange is happening!  I monitor the fall of Varroa mites normally on a daily basis.  Generally the number is between zero and 4. I missed yesterday so went up this morning and found a drop of 30!  Furthermore, I … Continue reading →

I check the transparent hive daily, recording the temperature at 3 points and the mite drop as well as anything else that drops.  I’m getting a bit worried that the cluster is getting smaller, leaving the perimeter of the combs … Continue reading →

I took a small swarm on 7th May, probably a cast or secondary swarm with a virgin queen as it was the second swarm to land in that garden at Chetnole within days.  I installed it in the transparent hive, … Continue reading →

I have spend some time today creating a hive out of a transparent plastic crate bought for the purpose.  Using a hot iron and some old brood comb, I managed to get a few random splodges of smelly wax, tempting … Continue reading →

I browsed around a DIY store this afternoon to see if I could find the ideal plastic storage box to turn into a top bar observation hive, following Ron Hoskins’ example (see earlier post about his lecture). I should have … Continue reading →

       Last night I went to West Dorset BKA’s meeting at Marsh Barn near Bridport where Ron Hoskins from Swindon was giving a talk. Ron has been beekeeping since 1943 and knows what he’s talking about. His presentation … Continue reading →