MBA Newsletter
November 2023
Debbie Delany speaks at MBA Meeting
November 2 is our last meeting for 2023, and our speaker promises to be a good one:
Debbie Delaney, associate professor of Entomology and University of Delaware Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, will be speaking on honey bee genetics. Debbie is an engaging and energetic speaker; she recently spoke at EAS on the effects of climate change on honey bee foraging. Debbie teaches courses on apiculture and pollinator ecology, as well as a course on environmental communications.
Since 2010, she has led "the BEE Team" at University of Delaware, managing 25-50 hives in 4 apiaries, including one on campus, which produces Dare To Bee! Honey, and a limited number of nucs and queens. Her honey bee research areas include evolutionary biology, population genetics, and IPM development for honey bee pests.
November 2 is our last meeting for 2023, and our speaker promises to be a good one:
Debbie Delaney, associate professor of Entomology and University of Delaware Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, will be speaking on honey bee genetics. Debbie is an engaging and energetic speaker; she recently spoke at EAS on the effects of climate change on honey bee foraging. Debbie teaches courses on apiculture and pollinator ecology, as well as a course on environmental communications.
Since 2010, she has led "the BEE Team" at University of Delaware, managing 25-50 hives in 4 apiaries, including one on campus, which produces Dare To Bee! Honey, and a limited number of nucs and queens. Her honey bee research areas include evolutionary biology, population genetics, and IPM development for honey bee pests.
Record KeepingKeeping good records is essential this time of year so that you are better able to diagnose the problem if you have dead-outs over the winter. Notes do not need to be extensive, but should have some basic information. Unless you have a very warm,sunny, windless day (over 70 degrees), do not attempt a full hive inspection - just do the best you can.
- Mite load - include date, method used, and results (alcohol wash is the gold standard).
- Mite treatments - when, what was used, and how much
- How many frames of bees, was the queen seen.
- Any evidence of viruses - deformed wings, "K-wings", stubby abdomens, hairless bees, other
- Any foul odor in the hive
- If there is brood, does it look healthy? Pearly white larvae, slightly rounded caps, not sunken or perforated. (Remember that AFB is a reportable disease - if there is any question, contact Dave Priebe, ApiaryInspector, (603) 271-2561
- How many frames of honey, how much pollen?
- When was the last feeding, and what was fed?
B(ee) Q&A at the Next Meeting
Not sure what you are seeing in your hive? Confused about what to do or when?
Join the BQ&A discussion from 5:30- 6:00pm at every meeting. Bring your questions to an experienced beekeeper and be part of the conversation.
Join the BQ&A discussion from 5:30- 6:00pm at every meeting. Bring your questions to an experienced beekeeper and be part of the conversation.
November Beekeeping Calendar
When the temperature is below 50 degrees, bees are in their winter cluster. There is little to no egg-laying in November. The apiary is generally pretty quiet.If you choose to insulate the hive, using an absorbent material can help reduce moisture build-up in the hive. There is some controversy about whether to leave an upper entrance open to help reduce moisture - some say it is crucial, others say a properly insulated hive does not need it and it causes loss of warmth.Tilt the hive forward a few degrees to help drain any moisture that does accumulate.Remove all Varroa treatments left in the hive before winterizing.Any equipment that may harbor wax moths should be frozen. Unextracted frames of honey should be kept frozen to prevent crystallization of honey.Consider setting up a windbreak around the hive.