Mayhaws and Henbits are Blooming

Spring is creeping up on us here in the south really quick, if not a bit early. Like 2-3 weeks early. I guess it has to do with the lack of winter temps and good amounts of rain. Temps have been averaging in the upper 60's with only a few dips into the 30's, one good drop into the 20's back in November, but all in all there has not been a sustained cold spell for more than 3 or 4 days before it is back in the upper 60's and 70's. This has caused my bees to be actively bored. They are warm enough to be out flying everyday but nothing to really forage on. So what do they do? Well they constantly check every person on the farm for flowers (LOL).

Henbit that bloomed in my front yard today 1-18-2020

Until this week that is. This week I have seen a drop in that kind of activity around the farm. As a matter of fact, I noticed the last 10 days or so that the bees have been bringing in an increasing amount of pollen between rain showers. Actually today I saw a whole bunch of bees bringing in bright yellow, dark yellow, and even a grey looking pollen. I don't know where these different colors come from, but I do know that it means there are at least three different varieties blooming right now. Two things I noticed today that are blooming are shown here.

Mayhaw blooming at my grandparents 

 The henbit is not considered a honey plant by the LSU AgCenter, but it is considered very important here in Louisiana because it is one of the earliest heavy pollen and nectar producers. This is what is needed before the heavy nectar flows begin so that the queens can start producing brood and build up the colony numbers so that there are more workers to bring in nectar and pollen to store. So, although henbit is a great producer of nectar and pollen, it is not really considered a honey plant here due to the colony populations being too low this time of year to actually store a significant amount. Nevertheless it is VERY important to the bees.

The other bloom I saw today was the Mayhaw at my grandparents old home. This is roughly 2 weeks earlier than last year and it causes me to wonder what this means for the nectar flow this year. We still have a few months of probable frost days. If the Mayhaw is two weeks early I'm afraid that means that the other blooming trees may be at risk of frost causing a short lived early nectar flow. Only time will tell. As mild of a winter we have had so far it may not be much of an issue at all. 

Another bloom I have been seeing on the increase the last few weeks is everyone's favorite, White Dutch Clover. I have not seen it here on the farm as of yet, though I do have quite a bit planted and growing here, but as little as three miles away and beyond I have been seeing many blooms of the wonderful bee food. I am starting to believe that this hill I live on has its own weird micro-climate inside of USDA Zone 8b. Its hard to explain, but things in about a 3 mile radius are just different than the rest of the parish. 

Well, thats all I have time for right now. Thanks for stopping by!

Place A Swarm Trap In A Tree Easy And Fast

Because swarm traps are heavy and I am nearly always carrying one in my truck in hopes to find a good spot to place it, AND because I am normally alone in my truck, I needed to figure out a way to put a swarm trap in a tree by myself. In this video I show you how to do just that.
The hive I am putting up is a Sam Comfort hive. Click here to see just how easy it is to build a Comfort Hive.  After watching that video you will only need to screw on a top and bottom and then follow the directions in this video post to see how to place it in a tree. Bait it with either Lemon Grass Oil or with Swarm Commander Honey Bee Lure, Both of these are extremely good lures for swarms.
I have many swarm traps set this year and they are all baited with Lemon Grass Oil. The link at the bottom of the page is the brand I use if you want to make sure and get the same brand.
I hope you enjoy the video! Please click the "Like" button. Thank You!!

Gift Ideas For Beekeepers

Happy Holidays! It is that awesome time of year where giving (and receiving LOL) is on everyone's mind! No matter which of the many holidays you celebrate this time of year if you have a beekeeper  (or future beekeeper) in your life finding gifts that would appeal to this "apiculture fixated" person could be a daunting task, especially if you yourself do not share in their fixation on the beekeeping lifestyle. If this sounds like you then you are at the right place. As a beekeeper I have a few ideas that may be appreciated by the beekeeper or future beekeeper you love.

Flow Hive

This is a great gift idea for people with disabilities, new beekeepers, or even people who might have allergies to bees because of the limited disturbance and direct contact with the bees. For beekeepers with allergies to bee venom always take care to wear adequate protection from stings and always carry an epipen. The Official Flow Hive does not need to be opened to harvest your honey crop. When the honey is ready you simply turn a valve and the honey comes out. Its as simple as that. Check out these reviews. The Flow Hive can bee expensive, but there is a less expensive alternative that can be seen by CLICKING HERE.

Indoor Observation Hive

Don't let the name freak you out! The indoor observation hive is safe for keeping indoors. It is sealed snug and tight so there is no danger of the bees getting free in your house...Unless you knock it over of course. But if your beekeeper spends hours outside with his hives just so he can watch the bees do their thing, then having one of these in your home might keep your beekeeper inside a bit more. To say that these things offer HOURS of fun for the addicted hobbyist, and talk about a conversation piece! Check out the Observation Hive HERE!

Refractometer

You may not realize this but every beekeeper must have one of these. Its used to measure moisture in honey. Too much moisture and your honey can spoil rather quickly. Although it is a much needed item for the hobbyist and pro alike, it is also an item that most beekeepers neglect buying for themselves which makes it a great gift idea! Get one here!

Beekeeping Books

There is no shortage of ideas and opinions on how to keep bees. It is a subject that has been written about for hundreds of years. There are thousands of books on the subject. I personally recommend Beekeeping For All for new beekeepers and old alike. And yes, this is the english version of the book.

Beekeeping T-Shirts

When all else fails, get a t-shirt. Here is a great selection of t-shirts that any beekeeper would love to have. Go check out this selection of Beekeeping T-Shirts.