Mathieu DOMECQ
Editor-in-chief of the API of the Month and Blog
As autumn approaches, climate change is bringing about a new set of challenges for the apiary. This September, the summer drought has left lasting marks: the countryside is parched and the nectar shortage has set in much earlier than in the past. Nature is running at a slower pace, forcing beekeepers to adjust their approach: the focus is no longer on harvesting, but on monitoring the colonies.
This month, we’ll be looking at the key monitoring points for bees to prevent any colony losses. In this context of environmental stress, the log hive stands out magnificently. Whilst modern hives suffer from temperature fluctuations, the solid wood of the log hive offers unrivalled thermal inertia. Here, we’ll be looking at how to use it.
Tasks of the month
September marks the transition to autumn and signals the real start of preparations for winter. The hustle and bustle of the summer honey flows has given way to a dormant landscape, where nectar sources are scarce and vigilance is essential. With the supers now removed and the honey safely stored in the honey house, it is time for the beekeeper to take stock, but above all to care for and protect the colonies.
It is during this crucial month that the survival of the apiary for next spring is decided. Here are the essential tasks to carry out at the apiary during September:
Carry out the queen and brood evaluation visit: Check that the queen is still laying a good, even layer of brood. A colony that has lost its queen or is too weak at this time of year must be combined with another to prevent it from dying before winter. You can also use an insulating partition to reduce the size of your colony: for example, if it occupies 8 filled frames and 2 empty ones, remove the empty frames and place a partition in their place.
Assess and weigh food supplies: Check the levels of honey and pollen stores in the hive. If the weight is insufficient due to drought and a lack of resources, supplementary feeding (using ApiInvert syrup or ApiFonda candy) should be carried out to prevent starvation.
Réduire les entrées de ruche: Fitting reduction gates helps the colony defend the entrance against raiding among which. You can also add tape on either side of the gate to narrow the passage even further.
The melliferous flowers of the month
Ivy (nectar and pollen), heather (nectar and pollen), white mustard (nectar), phacelia (nectar) …
