Hives at 3 months (7/18/14)

  Both hives are doing fine at this point. The better of the 2 (Green hive) is ahead of the earlier "problem (blue)" hive. Both have had a second deep hive body placed on top of the original. First the green hive got it then about 3 weeks later the blue hive was enlarged. The original hive bodies had at least 6 of the 8 frames filled when the additions were made. As of today the blue hive has filled the second hive body with bees and so has the green hive. A honey super was added to the green hive a few weeks ago during the latter part of the nectar flow and it looks like we will be getting a little honey. The main hive bodies are filled with stored honey, pollen, some eggs and brood. The nectar flow is essentially over, so the bees will slow down during the heat of Summer.

   On the 16th I began treatment for mites. I used a product called Mite Away Quick Strips. (MAQS) This is a Formic Acid treatment that kills both Varroa and Tracheal mites. Formic acid is a component of honey, but this treatment is stronger than that. It was only in the 70's when I began treatment which I hope will make the treatment a little easier on the bees. Re-queening will be the next project in a couple of weeks.

   Here are a few more recent pictures. Don't forget that you can click on any picture to see the full size photo.