4th April 2009 is the date for shook swarms to take place at the apiary. If you are unable to attend please make sure that you tell us and we will make sure your hive is treated. You should also have a clean brood box, floor, crown board and roof, and the brood box will have new frames and foundation in it.
There will be no exceptions – every hive at the Hampton Court Apiary will have a shook swarm treatment. If you have supers at the apiary which have not been treated with acetic acid you MUST do it before April 4. Any supers that are not treated will have their frames removed and burnt. All equipment at the apiary must be sterilised on that day.
We will need as many people as possible on that day. If you can come along and help on that day you will be very welcome and it will be an proceedure that is worth seeing.
If you have a hive at the apiary but can’t get along on the 4th please ring Avis on 01932 788 176 or Mobile 07703 181 813. It is important that you tell us if you will not be there on fourth and if you wish to buy lunch. There is a possibility of the Line Tree Cafe having sandwiches etc. for sale on that day and it will help Michael know how many he has to provide for!
We are not sure that the stand pipes for water on the allotment will be turned on, so if you have any water containers please fill them and bring them along. They may not be needed but we will have quite a large bonfire and as a safety precaution we should have a supply of water to hand. Keep them in your car or put them by the apiary, please do not bring them into the apiary.
The after care of your hives is important: you must have enough syrup to feed your hive, at least 5 litres. Throughout the season your hive will consume 60 kgms of honey as well as providing a harvest of about 100 one pound jars, so your bees will need a good start if they are going to produce a good harvest for you.
