The APHA reports that in most areas of the UK, Bee Inspectors carrying out inspections at the end of spring were seeing bee colonies which were extremely short of food stores within hives.
Sadly, they have also attended apiaries where colonies have already died as a result of starvation. After such a prolonged wet and cold Spring beekeepers should monitor their colony food levels closely, particularly if apiaries have not been visited for some time. Colonies will need to be checked for food levels.
Feed can be prepared from refined white sugar and water mixed at a 2:1 ratio or one of the proprietary ready mixed syrups available from beekeeping equipment suppliers. More information about mixing up sugar can be found in the Best Practice Guidelines found here.
If you have any questions then please contact your local Inspector.
Image credit: Buzzwords
More news like this can be found in The Country Smallholder magazine. Subscribe here.
For FREE updates from the world of smallholding, sign up for The Country Smallholder newsletter here.
