We continue to receive rain which is so critical to a positive Spring and surplus honey. I encourage you to continue to read and study about fascinating honeybees and their many attributes. Clearly, we cannot survive without honeybees and our lives are made richer because of these important creatures.

I hope you are geared up for the beginning of Summer and the hotter weather that will soon be upon us. Remember the importance of water sources for bees during these hot months. Also, review your ventilation and consider adding upper ventilation for the coming months (see Bushbees.com). I will cover beginner hives or Nucs below.

On June 10th we will have the rare privilege of having as our guest speaker, Jonathan LaMendola, an attorney and beekeeper. He will address legal issues of beekeeping, and answer important questions of concern to all Beekeepers. He is a renowned speaker, and will address the the Texas Beekeeper Association (TBA) convention in November. Please consider attending the annual TBA convention as it will be in our area this year for the first time in many years.

Finally, I want to end with some reminders to members who have starter hives, Nucs, or swarms that they received this Spring.

1. Continue to feed them at least until they have filled out three medium boxes or a deep and medium box which can carry them through the winter.

2. Restrict the entrance to an inch or less until the first box is quite full of bees.

3. Add the next box of frames and foundation when the first box is 75% full with bees and drawn comb.

4. Bait the new box by moving a drawn comb of honey/nectar to the middle of the box.

5. If using a front feeder (sometimes called Boardman style feeder), make sure the bee entrance is opposite from where the feeder is placed. For example, place the feeder on the far left, use an entrance cleat or stick to close the opening, leaving only an entrance for one bee to get by on the far right.

6. Remember that other bees in your neighborhood will try to get at this sugar water source and honey in the hive. They can overwhelm a new hive and rob them of all honey stores. This can cause the death of a starter hive.

7. Consider feeding gum size strips of pollen substitute paste, or products like Ultima or Honey Bee Healthy as a protein source. Add these directly over the frames and over existing brood. In the case of liquid proteins mentioned above, add to sugar water being fed.

We need to continue to educate the general public about the importance of bees, and that our survival is closely linked to theirs. Please advocate bee survival to your family and friends. We are bee ambassadors!

Have a great Summer!

Sincerely,

Stan Key

President, MBA