Author Archives: Dave Strickler

Did you know the BCBA has a Google Group? If you raise bees in Barnstable Country, please join us at the address below. While you don’t need to be a member to join this group, I’d highly encourage you to do so. The group is just starting, but we hope to make a meeting place … Continue reading »

A few days ago, I wrote about crazy comb, my name for burr or wild comb. I’d found it on my fourth hive inspection in the new medium super I had put on top of their brood box. While trilled that they were building new comb, I was confused as to how to understand this … Continue reading »

Well, according to beek right-of-passage, I became a full-fledged beek today – I was stung. Like so many had warned me before, it’s when you get sloppy that it happens. When you don’t do what you know you should. When you cut corners. So there I was, in my polo shirt, bathing suit and flip-flops, … Continue reading »

I set out to do the 4th hive inspection today accompanied by my dear friend Christopher, after too much rum from the night before. Since it was his wife was the one who got me interested in this unusual hobby, I thought it was only fitting to drag him along, for his photographic skills if … Continue reading »

I opened up the hive for a very quick, non-invasive look today, and was delighted with what I found. While there were no signs of new comb in the medium box with no foundation (it’s too soon), the three frames of wax-foundation in the original bottom brood box had cross-connected and regular comb on it … Continue reading »

As I did the inspection this afternoon, I came away both thrilled and disappointed. Thrilled that the hive is doing well as tt seems to have doubled in size again, and every frame was teaming with bees on both sides. Ever single inch of those frame was full of comb, and full of bees. That … Continue reading »

The tree is in full bloom, about two weeks ahead of its normal schedule, and the bees are going nuts on it. During the day the entire tree actually buzzes with such intensity that you can’t tell what part of the tree is making the noise. On closer examination, you realize it’s not a single … Continue reading »

I finally bought half gallon mason jars for feeding the bees. These size jars can be harder than you think to find, so I was luck to find them at all, and on sale to boot. The six-pack should last me a good long time as they don’t break easily. They are the “wide-mouth” variety, … Continue reading »

I finally found the exact size of the 1:1 syrup jar I have been feeding my bees. While the formula at 1:1 matters, the size of the jar doesn’t, except that I need to change it out more often. The old mason jar I have been using is 4 cups filled almost to the top, … Continue reading »

If they don’t like my water, they certainly like my syrup. Or perhaps I should say they are fickle about it. Some days they don’t touch it, and other days they can drink half a quart of 1:1 in a day. I’m not sure what causes them to binge on it, but we are so … Continue reading »