DECEMBER 2025
With the weather flip-flopping between frosty and warm, it is important to continue to keep an eye on stores. There is little forage around now so not a lot to bring back when the bees are flying on warmer days, so heft your hives or (as I do) put some fondant on just in case.
Don’t be worried by a few dead bees on the landing board or in front of the hive – this is normal and tells you that you have undertaker bees doing their job, clearing out those that came to the end of their working life. Just make sure the dead bodies are not blocking the entrance!
Make sure your hives are protected from the elements and wildlife as appropriate – just check they are ok periodically, especially if there are any extremes of weather. After the talk at the AGM I have done the rounds of my hives and put varroa boards in to reduce the drafts! I have open mesh floors so I am now worried that the bees aren’t warm enough!
What’s going on in the hive?
The queen may still lay eggs through the winter, so you should see bees bringing in pollen on warmer days. Apart from that, the bees will go into a cluster in the colder weather to keep warm.
What’s in the larder?
There is very little forage around now. My ivy has finished but there is hope – my winter honeysuckle is in bloom, and the winter jasmine is out. I saw a mad cherry tree in blossom on my walk today, a beautiful mahonia in full flower, the viburnum tinus is in bud. The recent cold snap has killed off my nasturtiums at last.
Now is the time to finish off any kit cleaning, then put your feet up, and catch up on back issues of Beecraft and BBKA News with a glass of mead to hand! Wishing you all a very merry Christmas, and very best wishes for a healthy and productive New Year!
