Category: Apiary

One of my home colonies tried to swarm, so cutting to the chase, we now have 4 colonies in 2 hives waiting to see if the Queen cells hatch. This will increase our apiary by 4 more colonies (if successful). Fingers crossed. I will not check these hives for 2 weeks giving the new virgin queens time to mate and start laying. Please check back for an update if these colonies successfully created a laying queen.

The original colony swarmed underneath the bottom board of the original hive. First time this has happened to me. So, we will take this opportunity to break the mite cycle, let the original colony start all over hoping they continue filling the honey super. Things are looking really good to have honey and wax products available for sale this fall.

Yesterday, I added Varroa Sensitive Hygiene (VHS) queens to Izaac Walton League’s wildflower field. These colonies are from Adrian Quiney in Hudson, WI. He is a chemical free beekeeper. These colonies are mite resistant and are the next step for me to stop using organic chemicals to treat for mites. I will have more information on the McCook Lake IWL page under “Support the Bees” on my home page.

It has been so long, I thought I should post something on the website. We have been working diligently on our new property. There is still so much to do and update. BUT it is now time to focus some energy on the apiary. I am adding some new VHS bees to the apiary. My hope is to help reduce my use of organic chemical treatments and maybe eventually eliminate chemicals entirely. It is a journey. I will post some pictures of my new apiary soon.