Beating the Heat
Well, Summer has arrived with a bit of a bite to her. The nectar flow looks like it is beginning to slow or stop in some areas. The bees are working my clover now and still bringing in some dark nectar- Poke Weed or Joe Pye, I'm hoping for some more of the Crepe Myrtle like last year. We definitely need some rain to see more nectar.
The heat can be a real issue for certain and there are a few things you can do to stay safe and healthy out there- You notice I didn't say cool- It's just plain hot out.
We manage to beat the heat by working the bees first thing in the morning or last thing in the evening once the hives are in the shade. We still need to see into the frames for eggs and larvae, so you need some sun but not beating right down on you.
Here are a few tips we find help:
Hydrate well before and after
Wear UV protective long sleeve clothing to keep from getting sunburned
Cooling rags or vests with ice packs are a help
personal fans around the neck keep air moving on your face and help you feel cooler
terry cloth headbands to keep sweat out of your eyes
Ladies and gents with long tresses-hair clips and bands to pull hair off your neck
Did I mention you need HYDRATION? Lots of water, try to avoid the sugary replenishment drinks as sugar can make you thirstier.
take a pop-up tent with you and drag it along for shade
Always tell someone you are going to the apiary-
take your phone and stop for breaks often
If you stop sweating, this is a heat emergency- Heat stroke can kill-
Safety first friends.
Have fun, stay safe and happy keeping!
Stay on top of it...
Keeping up with what is going on in your hives is almost as hard as staying on top of the goings on around town in the beekeeping community. We play with bees, catch swarms, chat with folks about the benefits and fun of beekeeping and we find ways to enjoy a hobby that is often called a little crazy. It's hard to stay on top of it all.
What am I supposed to be doing? "X" is happening in my hives! And when should I be doing _____? I felt lost when I first started like I was constantly behind the curve. Heck half the time I still feel like that =o). The bees do what they want, and I try to react or take action before they do the next big thing. My point is, if you feel lost in your beekeeping journey, it's time to phone a friend. Look for us on Facebook @ Southern Maryland Beekeeping and post your query with pictures if you have them. There are several thousand people on the site and many willing to offer help and or information as well as mentorship and guidance. When your apiary is registered (it's the law) the State Apiary Inspector can come help solve problems or inspect for free!
We might all do things a little different, but overall, our goal is to support beekeepers and to help keep bees alive in a healthy happy way. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Come to a meeting, reach out to us by email. We will do the best we can to help those in the region who feel like they need it and are willing to learn.
