Water!

My honeybees seem so desperate for water right now. It’s been so dry and I am anxiously awaiting rain. The bees can be seen daily at my bird baths. I have a few around the yard. One I have put little pieces of mulch in to assist the bees in landing and not drowning. They are really using it…

I’ve also made a little bee bath which is essentially a shallow dish with aquarium gravel. The water in this dish is easy for the honeybees to access. You can easily make one, too, if you noticed bees around your yard. They are fun to watch as they come for water. 

I’ve also noticed many bees working the sedum in the yard. From my observations, I’m convinced it’s one of their favorites! 

It looks like the goldenrod will soon be in full bloom. Hopefully the bees will be able to use this as a plentiful resource as they prepare for winter. I have a few hives that we are feeding. It’s amazing how quickly they go through syrup!!! It’s hard to keep up with them! A few hives are very heavy, these hives don’t need the extra boost of feeding right now and that is much appreciated. Strong hives are the best!!! Sugar is an added cost and mixing syrup is a chore. I’ll do it hoping it will help the hive but I sure prefer strong, established hives that don’t need me to feed them.

September finished out the mite treatments. I noticed more hive beetles in some hives than I would like. I’ve tried to help each hive out with a self made beetle trap from a swiffer sheet. Hopefully it will help out at least a little. Those pesky little beetles are bothersome for bees and beekeepers.

Fall is my favorite time of year…I enjoy all the fall colors and plants. In addition to mums (which I rarely see a honeybee on) I did add some more sedum. I’ve been told it’s easy to grow from cuttings so I’m trying my hand at that, too. If we can spread and share this plant that the bees seem to love that feels like a win all around! 

Wishing you a beautiful fall season. Keep an eye out for those honeybees, they are working hard and cool to see in action! 

-Worker bee 2021