What's The Buzz

Nelson County August 2021

Nelson County Beekeepers

What’s The Buzz

Volume 7 Issue 6

MEETING

August 19th, 2021 There will be a regular meeting starting at 6:30 pm on August 19th, 2021. Robbie Smith will be grilling hamburgers and hot dogs with sides, so PLEASE PLEASE call the Extension Office (502-348-9204) if you plan to attend. We need a head count so we can purchase the correct amount of food. We want to make sure we have enough for everyone.

Officers President-Steve Hutchins Vice President-Darrell Hester Secretary-Carolyn Hurd Treasurer & Editor-Susan Zhunga

We will have a Steering Committee meeting at 5:30 pm prior to the regular meeting. Volunteers try and attend. We will be discussing the future of club events, and programs.

PROGRAM

Hospitality-Monthly Volunteers Newsletter Publisher– Georganne Collins

Inside this issue:

Financial Statement

3

Extractor Rental

3

A round table discussion headed up by Steve Hutchins. The problems you might be encountering, and some solutions you might try.

Question will be welcomed.

Swap, Sell, or Buy tables will be set up for anyone who want to move some items along.

New beekeepers might find something they need at a really good price.

Be sure that all items are cleaned and price. We don't want to mess up the hall that the Extension Offices allows us to use for our meetings.

Robbie Smith County Extension Agent for Horticulture

Page 2 August

http://www.ksbabeekeeping.org

What’s Happening Inside the Hive? This month is much like July. The bees are still rearing brood, but storing little honey. And they still need water. Late summer is the time for bees to try to rob honey from other hives. This is because of the dearth of nectar. If you have more than one hive, don’t open a hive for more than a few minutes. Unguarded honey leads to a “robbing frenzy”. Even if you then close the hive, the robbing bees remain in the same frame of mind. Stronger hives will do their best to fight their way into the weaker hives. Watch for fighting bees at the entrances of the hives. August is a serious month for varroa mites. The mites have been reproducing rapidly in the brood cells since spring.

Their numbers can build up without any apparent signs of trouble and then suddenly destroy a hive within a few weeks.

Beekeeper Chores If you haven’t looked for varroa this summer, do so now. Look for varroa, especially in your strongest hives. Hives with the most bees have the most drone brood, the favorite spot for these mites.

Uncap at least a dozen capped drone cells, remove the pupae, and examine them carefully. If you have varroa in these cells, remove the honey harvest as soon as possible and treat.).

August is the month to begin thinking about winter. A weak hive should be de-queened and united with a stronger hive.

Observations and Ideas Kentucky beekeepers work together at the honey booth at the state fair each August in Louisville. By this time of year, you and your beekeeping friends nearby know whether you have had a good year. Compare notes on honey production, queens, mite problems and other concerns. Note the sources of the best queens purchased by other beekeepers. Word of mouth is often the best way to find good queen and package bee producers.

The Beekeeper: No more chance of swarming. Watch for honey robbing by wasps or other bees. There is not very much for you to do this month. You might consider putting on entrance reducers to help control the problem.

All members are encouraged to join us on Facebook. Ask questions, show your progress, and share your pictures on our “Nelson County Beekeepers” Facebook page. We would love to hear from you.

Page 3 Financial Statement FINANCIAL STATEMENT as of 7/30/2021 Opening balance 1/1/2021 $ 2,134.25 Gross Income Food Donations/Dues $966.00 Net Expense New Extractor/Food $1,163.30 Bank Balance $ 1,936.95

Expenses Food for Dec meeting New Electric Extractor Food for Feb meeting Acces for Extractor/Gas Kent Williams Food for April meeting Totals

ATTENTION

$167.05 280.89 166.64 186.36 200.00 162.36 $1163.30

ATTENTION

There are 3 extractors complete with all that you need to extract honey. There is only one refractometer to test your honey. You will need your own gated bucket for your extracted honey.

1.

First extractor is a plastic table top 2 frame hand crank – Rental @ $5.00 for 3 day maximum.

2.

Second extractor is a 2 frame hand crank - rental @ $10.00 for 3 day maximum.

3.

Third extractor is a 4 frame electric – rental @ $15.00 for 3 day maximum.

Either extractor can be picked up and delivered back to Susan Zhunga @ 555 King Road, Cox's Creek, KY. Call for availability 502-507-8789. All equipment must be returned in good, clean condition.

BEEKEEPING ITEMS FOR SALE Test kits for American Foul Brood (AFB) and European Foul Brood (EFB) are available for purchase from Extension Office for $14.00 each. Please call me (Susan 507-8789) for availability.

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Bardstown KY 40004

317 S Third St

Nelson County

BLOOMFIELD, KY 40008-0269

PO BOX 269

MEGAN & Jim ALEXANDER