I got pictures of the devastation of the East hive from the last month of freezing temps, today. I'll post 'em soon. It has not fared well. Large population, and lots of varroa mites in the mix.
Hopefully OK - I am experimenting with them. ☺️ #🐝
The East hive has been hit hard by the freezing temps the last couple weeks. Yesterday we had a beautiful 50F, so they were all out. They clogged the entrance with dead bodies... So I helped them out. I inspected the bottom board... all the dead varroa. #🐝
I took some pictures Monday of the bees, when we had 60F weather. Both hives look good for now, and have plenty of mountain camp feed on. West hive is really actively taking it in. #🐝
I fed the bees this afternoon, mountain camp-style. So they'll have plenty of food going into winter, and a little extra space and paper to handle moisture. And killed a bunch of SHBs, of course! #🐝
The hives have started shedding workers in the recent cold weather. Finally no more rain, so they can recover. Tomorrow I'll open up and give them sugar, a paper shield to reduce the moisture. #🐝
This drop of water visualizes the moisture build-up in the hive as they breath and work hard. That moisture can kill them in the cold. There is an upper entrance to the hive right inside that lid. #🐝
Saturday I took the super off the West hive, to prep it for winter. They're looking good! There were lots of SHBs, no surprise. Killed a lot, of course. Beer were friendly (too friendly). #🐝
Since I took the super off the East hive, one frame had brood in it, just coming out! So here's one buddy popping her head out. She was stuck there for a while. Ha.