• External Checks  -  

Avoide inspections or opening the hive. Check that mouse guards are clear of dead bees and fallen leaves

.  Other Checks -

When you open hive lids to check fondant levels, check for dampness.If damp, consider whether there is adequate ventilation to avoid condensation.

. Feeding -

Heft hives to check stores, add fondant as required if the hive feels a little lighter than normal. It is important to address low stores now, because if winter is prolonged then starvation can be a significant risk by February and March.

• Keep Hefting Hive - 

The bees may be running out of stores this month, particularly if the weather has been mild and brood rearing has started early. Hefting the hive at regular intervals will give the idea of the weight of the stores left. Fondant may be fed if required.

. Varroa -

Monitor the average daily Varroa count in your hives. To do this:

Put a sticky inspection board below the open mesh floor for up to a week. When removed, count the Varroa and divide the number of mites found by the number of days the board was in.

An average daily drop of more than two mites per day is above the suggested threshold for treatment at this time of year; if you find this you may want to consider an oxalic acid treatment.

The NBU's Managing Varroa leaflet has been recently updated and is available at:

https://tinyurl.com/3er8cp7a

. Plan ahead -

Consider next year's plan. What number of hives? What is your 'Goldilocks' number? Honey production or nucproduction?

CLEAN YOUR KIT.