Month: May 2018

Dakota18B hive cross comb problem is extremely problematic. Black plastic foundation frames which were supposedly coated with wax appear to not be adequate. Any frames which were not yet built up were removed and re-coated with beeswax. Cross comb was removed and placed into new empty frames with rubber bands. Any empty comb was pushed flat into plastic foundation. This was a very time consuming and difficult operation.

Dakota18A hive was opened. Colony is queen right. All 3 warre boxes are full will install 4th warre box soon.

Wild17 hive opened. Bees are too aggressive to properly inspect hive.

WildCA18A hive not opened, normal entrance activity.

Wild17 was treated for mites. Using oxalic acid, 2 caps, 10 minutes.

Dakota18B hive inspection performed. Colony is rejecting the plastic foundation and building terrible cross comb. Capped brood present, larva present, eggs present. Colony is assumed to be queen right. Spent time trying to correct cross comb and flatten comb into plastic foundation frames. I was fairly aggressive with the hive.

I was notified of a swarm on campus and requested to remove immediately. Swarm was located in a small flower bush about 2 feet off the ground. Swarm was approximately 10 inches. Swarm was transported in a Nuc box with old frames. Swarm was placed in 3 Warre boxes. Bees are darker in color, slightly aggressive and spend considerable time cleaning. Started the colony with 1 frame of capped honey and 1 brood frame. Hive labeled WildCA18A.