Did the Bee Barns Survive Winter | 2024 season starts today!

[@Chris-yo4ks]

I know the hive heaters and insulated hives make you feel better. I am by no means saying that you are doing anything wrong. We are in different climates, different things work. I am in Central Indiana. To my surprise, I have a neglected 5 frame Nuc that is still alive. Actually all my hives got neglected going into winter. Looks like I have lost 1 of 11. But winter is not over with yet. I used to baby my hives going into winter.....wrap with tar paper, close up any with screen bottom boards......stack wall of straw bales......It seemed I lost a big percentage of the hives.......Now, I pour sugar in the inner cover as an emergency food source and to absorb moisture....I seem to have better luck with less fuss.......one of my hives has a box that needed replacing 2 years ago......2 corners have about a 1 inch holes in them......I'm sure if I picked at them they would open up bigger. I learned my neglected ratty box technique from the Dirt Rooster. lol

[@BugFarmerBees]

I like the Dirt Rooster and the Mr. Ed approach too but I am still in my learning phase and try to get into the hives as much as possible. It doesn't hurt for the KZbin channel either. It sounds like your hives are doing great in Indiana and you only do minimal preparation for winter. I guess I just need to get my mind around the bees are extremely capable.

[@Chris-yo4ks]

@@BugFarmerBees I wish I had more time to get into my hives more often. But life happens. I find myself smelling my hands for the rest of the day when I get into them.....there is something soothing about the smell of a hive. Personally, I think, if you want to fiddle with the hives, and you find it works well for you, then do it. However, the bees have been doing their thing for 20+ millions years......we have about 19.999999 million years of learning to catch up to what they already know. lol

[@theshadowoftruth7561]

I was doing research on hives and the current recommendation is to not ventilate heavily insulated hives. You're bring in cold air, Instead of venting at the top put in r30 insulation to keep the heat in. there is videos explaining this theory Condensing Hives.

[@BugFarmerBees]

I do believe the bees will do what is necessary to keep their hives at the correct temp. That being said, I do like to vent their hives in the summer when the temps are in the triple digits and the humidity is high. Last summer I keeps the hives at 95F all summer.

[@heavymechanic2]

I saw the Hive-Hugie video and there is some merit but most are not dropping that much coin unless their bees are in arctic conditions. I agree with BUG, the bees will close off ventilation if the hive has a draft. Some of us have dozens of hives to manage, R-5 or less does just fine overwintering a single/double deep. A few days ago I split apart an Apymae (knockoff) and its busting at the seams in the lower box. This insulated hive is crazy strong considering night temps are in the 20's. Another small insulated hive is also doing very well when compared to a typical wood box, even if the wood has a wrap. The bees are out foraging on water.. Bug-xiety is coming soon!

[@richardrbrynerjr.7912]

Queen cell @ 7;20 you missed! Maybe split before they swarm?

[@BugFarmerBees]

Actually that was bur comb. It did look like a queen cell though. Thanks for stopping in to have a look. I really appreciate it. Take care.

[@lloydwagner3680]

Wow , those close up of the introduction was amazing! Good job!

[@BugFarmerBees]

Thanks. They were posing on the feeder :-)

[@NKYHoneyBees]

Yayyy bugs are back in action! Happy beekeeping brother.

[@BugFarmerBees]

Yes they are! Thanks.

[@BlanchardsBees]

Starting my 5th year this year as well🐝 Happy Beekeeping Bug Farmer!

[@BugFarmerBees]

Has the weather broke for you yet? The last I saw you still had snow around the hives.

[@BlanchardsBees]

@BugFarmerBees they are flying everyday and snows about gone

[@russellkoopman3004]

That beatle sucker is sweet. Nice start to the season.

[@BugFarmerBees]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2mkl3V9Ys2JbpI kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZfCeGZslpxsjdk Thanks. I appreciate you stopping in to have a look. Take care.

[@pattibuckman2473]

What kind of hive beetle vacuum are you using and where to get it. Pm please

[@BugFarmerBees]

Here you go. One video shows the BS-5K in use and the other how to build it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2mkl3V9Ys2JbpI kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZfCeGZslpxsjdk

[@Les0613]

2nd time around you asked how to space to 9 frames. Mann lake has a comb spacer tool you might want to check out for converting to 9 frames. I plan on trying it out this year. Have a great year!

[@BugFarmerBees]

Thanks Leslie. You are an elite :-).

[@robinb1451]

Sorry if missed it but what was temp for inspection, not expecting to do mine till next month earliest...

[@BugFarmerBees]

I think it was 60ish that day.

[@ME_MeAndMyBees]

Stateside 60 F UK 15 C Personally I wouldn't do any full Hive Inspections until ALL Frosts are over. That you have Dandelions in Flower. And that the Bees have had some good Supply of Pollen coming in. Here in Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 in my Rural Location : I am lucky to have lots of Willow Trees by a River. Pussy Willow 'Catkins' are really giving out the Pollen. So is the Wild 'Witch Hazel' it to has long hanging Catkins that are Pollen covered too. Soon we will have Primeroses, then Dandelions and some early Shrub Blossom (unsure what Plant it is, but it has all over tiny white Flowers, that turn into little White waxy Spheres (?) After that Crabapple, then Apple, Pear, then Cherry and Plum will mean my Garden will be a Bee Buffet ! Can't wait for Spring to 'Spring' into action. This Winter has been to long for the Bees and this Beek ! 🤭 🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝 Happy Beekeeping 2024 🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝 Today I took a peek at my Hives via the 'Crown Board' Feeding Hole. Only 8 C (46 F) today. . . But after weeks of wet weather, then Gales and Storms. To then go back into a big Freeze : I needed to know my Bees were 'Alive' or not. AND check Food provision. Bees so often make it through the Whole Winter, to then Starve in February ! 😖 So Today I added a Quarter Section off a Big Fondant Block to each Hive. And add about x3 Teaspoons worth of Dry Pollen Substitute in and on this Food Source. That way the Colony can have access to a little 'pollen' in a gradual manner. So if just in case the Weather goes Ape again, Bees can be 'Home' without needing Cleansing Flights. To much Protein in one big swoop : causes digestive issues. Also : I only Add and Feed loads of Dry Sugar in my Hives from late November until Spring. This SoS Feed is directly on the Frames (using Paper) and it also absorbs any Moisture the Bees give off. Handy as Dry Sugar + some damp Sugar is almost a 'handy' Candy ! Win, win. Any Sugar left, can be carefully removed. Added to Hot Water and made into 1:1 Syrup come late March, early April. 😎

[@rhondasavva2500]

Where did you get the hive beatles gun from

[@BugFarmerBees]

I made it. You can make one too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZfCeGZslpxsjdk. :-)

[@ME_MeAndMyBees]

Luckily . . . So far Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 and the UK 🇬🇧 don't have Hive Beetles YET ! Did see somewhere that an 'Asian Hornet' was spotted and Photographed somewhere in the Warmer South of England. Know Australia has Varroa Mites these days too. . . . Maybe Hive Beetles will be coming to our Shores some time in the future. Hope not. 🤞 🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝 Happy Beekeeping 2024 🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝 Question : Bug Farmer. . . Why did you 'Heat your Hives' in the first place (?) Bees can Regulate their Colony Temperature quite fine by themselves. Bees even in Russia, Cold Northern Europe, up in Canada and the Northern States do this fine by themselves, A Hive with a good Sized Cluster, has ample Food Reserves, (including lots of Dry Sugar.) And has a big Slab of Roof Insulation only. . . Any Hive will survive by their own means. Memo : Bees need those Cooler Walls to make Condensation : that's their Water Supply ! So yes add top insulation, but the Timber thickness of the Boxes aides this water effect. And they can also 'feel' the Suns Rays on that Timber too. Time to 'get out and about' to Orientate themselves and do long needed Cleansing Flights as well. . . 🤭 By the way. . . How much 'Energy' was saved on the Electricity Bill. . . 🙄 Out of interest, in not Heating Hives this last Winter !?! 🌡 PS. Like your Snug Top Cushions to moderate that uprising 'Moisture'. What do you use for the Cushion "Filling" ? Hope you can advise. Cheers. 😎

[@rhondasavva2500]

Thank you I looked further into your utube pages and found it

[@2boysmom938]

I’m making one too! Thanks for the idea!

[@KajunHomestead]

Bee's looking Good

[@BugFarmerBees]

Thank you. I really appreciate you stopping in to have a look and taking time to comment. Take care.

[@bargemail2]

They really don't draw out those frames much. Do you wax them before you install? Such an odd comb pattern, any idea why?

[@BugFarmerBees]

I need to build new frames this spring and wax them before install. Last year all of the spring nectar producing plants were wiped out in an early freez and they picked all of the wax from the frames to build their comb. Now they are laying where they have space not taken up by nectar. I am certain they will draw them out better once I get some newly waxed foundation in there in a couple of weeks.

[@rtxhoneybees]

​@BugFarmerBees I've had good luck rubbing hard wax on the few plastic foundations I run. I keep small block in my inspection bucket. Just scrub it onto those bare areas.

[@rogue9346]

Currently building two bee barn 2.0’s. Did you do videos on building yours or did you do that off camera?

[@BugFarmerBees]

I think you will like it. Here is my build video.

[@rogue9346]

I don't think the link posted, but thank you for the reply! @@BugFarmerBees

[@BugFarmerBees]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGTYqapppLlgsMU

[@BugFarmerBees]

@@rogue9346 Here it is again: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGTYqapppLlgsMU

[@paulahello7435]

I liked the new intro.

[@BugFarmerBees]

Thanks.

[@richardkuhn4358]

Good Job

[@BugFarmerBees]

Thanks Richard. Much appreciated :-)

[@sarashappyhives1828]

Hello from Indiana! Happy to see the girls are flying and bringing in pollen. 😊

[@BugFarmerBees]

Hello Indiana! Thanks for stopping in. According to the weather channel I follow it looks like you are in for a snow storm this week. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnynZ6V_eLSVeNEfeature=shared&t=293

[@sarashappyhives1828]

@@BugFarmerBees Yes we are! I just collected a dead colony and put syrup out while it’s 60 degrees. We still have 20 colonies and I have a feeling it’s going to get busy real quick when the snow melts again! Thanks Steve 😊

[@BucksBeesS.C.]

Thanks for your info on the beetle vacume. I will be using mine soon I'm sure.I used a baby nose snot sucker for the front of it with some mod.

[@reneallen6405]

I love your bee logo, do you sell t-shirts?

[@BugFarmerBees]

Hi Rene. I have sold t-shirts, coffee cups, etc. in the past but am currently out of stock. I will have another batch coming in soon and will be opening an online store in the near future with tools, supplies, shirts, coffee cups and all the gear. I appreciate your interest and will certainly announce it on the channel when it is all available. Thank you for stopping in and having a look and for taking the time to reach out. Take care.

[@jamesdygert4656]

Thanks for the videos! I look forward to them every Friday. Sorry if I missed the comment, but why are you not using the heaters? have a great day

[@BugFarmerBees]

I decided to see how the girls would do without the heat. The bee barns are so heavily insulated they really didn't nee the heaters. I will be running a few heaters next year as an experiment. Something exciting in the works. :-)

[@honigtrailapiary4341]

FYJB!!!

[@BugFarmerBees]

I am confused... Please elaborate :-)

[@davidlaing7684]

Did a hive inspection today as it was 57 to check fondant and had my first dead out on a new package last year. Plenty of stores and honey, no brood and all empty cells. Made double deep hives like yours. There tongue’s we’re out meaning they starved. My other 3 are strong/

[@BugFarmerBees]

I am sorry your bees starved. My deadout at the farm was due to population. Lot's of honey in the hive and their tongs weren't out. I assume their small cluster couldn't keep up with the cold. The good news is in the next couple of weeks we will al be battling swarms and collecting free bees :-)

[@Hotzrod]

What are your plans for swarms/splits in the bee castle yard? That’s a lot to manage!

[@BugFarmerBees]

I have plans. :-). I am going to try something new this year. Upcoming video :-)

[@CastleHives]

Can't wait to get into mine. You are closing in on 10k, that's awesome. . .

[@noahG82]

Maples turning red over here in northern WV. I'm super pumped to see them start building up!

[@CastleHives]

@@noahG82 Nice. . We have some buds starting here also. The weather is going to cool next week, so that'll delay them some.

[@BugFarmerBees]

Hey Brian. It has been a grind but I am getting there.

[@salembeeman370]

So happy to see your hives thrive with hive heaters. Do you know how much energy the hive heaters used?

[@BugFarmerBees]

i didn't use the heaters this year but in the past i have operated 9 hive heaters, 2 security cameras, two IR flood lights. two heat lamps and a heat panel in the chicken coop all on a single 20A circuit. I have several videos showing how I built the hive heaters and their installation and use in my video library here on the channel. They are pretty efficient as they only call for heat and turn on when the hive temp falls below a certain threshold.

[@happypaws2010]

I do love your content but I will say you’re the only channel that added the bee zaps when you get stung ….funny but nice to know your ok

[@BugFarmerBees]

I still add the zaps but fortunately for me it happens less often than it used to. Thanks for watching my videos. I really appreciate you.

[@dennisbarney869]

Great video, Thanks for sharing. Were did the aggressive hive originate from and is it the original queen or has it been superseded or changed by you. Do you see many hive beetles in that hive.

[@BugFarmerBees]

I actually just spoke to Crynock and he said it was a Beeweaver hybrid. I still think they have some Russian in them because of their aggressiveness and their crazy comb production . Either way, I like them, they produce a ton of honey, and will be propagating them this year. They are extremely hard workers.

[@dennisbarney869]

Thanks for the reply I was just wondering, I have feral bees, It seems when the hive is smaller they are calm but as the hive grows they get much more aggressive. And I don't see very many hive Beatles for some reason, It could bee my location or it could bee the aggression of the bees.@@BugFarmerBees