Pruning of the large apple tree - No.9 - continued
also that of another apple tree - No.21.
We did some cutting back and clearing of the briar patch surrounding the apiary
partly in preparation for the installation of some screens
to enclose the beehives. We moved Hive 2 closer to the centre of the apiary.
We also decided to administer an oxalic acid treatment to the hives/colonies. I have some doubts about the effectiveness of this treatment (for varroa mites) given that the weather has been so mild recently I imagine the queens have not stopped laying and the colonies are not broodless. There will, potentially, be a lot of mites incubating and reproducing on the capped brood. Those mites would not be affected by the oxalic acid. I was also reluctant to lift any of the brood frames to check for brood (capped and uncapped) because of the disturbance lifting the frames would cause to the winter clusters. We administered the oxalic acid/glucose solution. Both colonies (Hives 2 and 3) appeared strong - occupying at least six frames each. There were capped and uncapped stores in both hives although given the size of the clusters both colonies may need a supplementary winter feed to keep them going until there is forage in the spring. Close visual inspection of the bees did not reveal many, if any, with deformed wings, or carrying varroa mites. One very notable observation was the difference in temperament between the two colonies; Hive 2 was placid with only a few aggressive /defensive bees whereas Hive 3 responded much more aggressively - with numerous bees flying hard into my bee suit face mask and several attempting to sting me through my rubber gloves. A lot of bees followed us to the edge of the apiary. Hive 3 consists of two united colonies. It's likely the queen remaining from the uniting process is producing bad-tempered bees and so that colony will have to be re-queened.
Elsewhere, more pruning
the gooseberries, worcesterberries and redcurrants
pruned and mulched (B1, B2a & 2b and B3a)
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