I had bees 24 years ago. I just got too busy with working &tc. The hives died and I never restarted them... until now. The new bees will be picked up in the spring. Meanwhile, I am refurbishing / replacing woodware, &tc. getting ready for the spring nectar flows.
I had a 26 year break that just ended last year. It will be great fun restarting, it was for me. You will find my friend since you admit your age, that things have gotten a lot heavier! I sincerely wish I had listened to those advocating going to all medium boxes and maybe even 8 frame ones of those! I didn't because I am cheap and deeps are indeed a lot cheaper to run. That being said, those full deeps can be real challenging now that I am on the wrong side of social security with a virus eaten heart, I know I should have listened. My other word of warning is these Newfangled Vorroa mites are a real problem. You need to make a plan for dealing with them. If you don't you will be a fine customer for the bee suppliers. I supposed you are blessed with small hive beetles and we didn't have them to deal with then either. A lot of good ideas on dealing with both here. Welcome
I'm using deep brood & shallow honey boxes & frames, because that is what I had originally. I got a tip from a keeper in KY: put lime on the ground for a foot or two around the hive. It will cut the shells and desiccate the beetles when they crawl across the lime after hatching from their underground pupation. Limestone with fines in it (roadway gravel) will last longer in the rain & not have to be reapplied like lime on a football field.
Welcome to the forum, And welcome back to the wonderful world of beekeeping. :)
Welcome to the forum.
Welcome back, enjoy!
Quote from: DryCreekGeezer on November 10, 2012, 11:46:26 PM
I'm using deep brood & shallow honey boxes & frames, because that is what I had originally. I got a tip from a keeper in KY: put lime on the ground for a foot or two around the hive. It will cut the shells and desiccate the beetles when they crawl across the lime after hatching from their underground pupation. Limestone with fines in it (roadway gravel) will last longer in the rain & not have to be reapplied like lime on a football field.
Welcome back, and enjoy!
This may by true but what do you do about the adult SHB flying in to the hive for the 1st time.
BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)
Welcome to the forum.
Joe