Belated Update

Wow! It's been awhile since I wrote something here. For the few who are still actually reading this, I hope I haven't run you off by ignoring you. Truth is, I haven't really done much with the hives since my last communication and here we are closing in on the middle of August. Please forgive me, dear reader!

I did another mite count using the greasy bottom board technique and after 24 hours, it was clear that the mite population has grown considerably within both hives. I gave up counting but I'm sure I had at least a few dozen on each board along with various other tiny critters, bee legs, etc. Time for some countermeasures. Must pick up some powdered sugar and a sifter tomorrow. Stay tuned on that one.

I also built a screened inner cover for each hive. Actually, Arlington got theirs a couple of weeks ago and it's afforded a nice opportunity to peek in on the girls while keeping them safely separated from yours truly. They appear to enjoy the draft up there because there is always a huge number of bees loitering around on top of the frames. I glued 1/4" pieces of dowel to the tops of the new covers to give a 360 degree opening for circulation while still maintaining a low enough profile so that the edges of the top cover prevent rain or direct wind from entering the hive. Of course, the bees have begun propolizing the screen in the corners, so maybe they have too much breeze?

Today I built a screened inner cover for Georgia and I had to remove the original inner cover to install the new one. Of course, this action riled them enough for one of their number to sting me on my exposed leg (I was wearing shorts) For some reason, that sting REALLY hurt! That girl packed a punch, let me tell you. Another tried to get me, but I was too quick for her and she gave up the ghost without delivering the goods! Ha Ha! You try to do them a favor and look how they repay you! Ungrateful little bugs.

A couple of weeks back, I had installed another inner cover under my top honey super in Georgia. They had completely filled the frames with honey and capped it and so, following the recommended procedure, I slipped in the cover so they would begin removing the stores and move them downstairs for easier access. Well, it doesn't appear that they are making much progress in this regard, at least as viewed from above while I performed the task mentioned in the preceeding paragraph. I guess I'll need to do a more thorough inspection to be sure.

At any rate, they should be a little cooler for the rest of the summer.

Sting count...15