Pete a Day: 60

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I got into the bees for just a little today. I’m really glad I did. One of the hives was super full. They had brood in the top box, and the hive was chock full of bees. I read about a technique the other day about checker boarding a hive to help prevent swarming. I was going to do that, but after I was two frames in it started to rain. I put the hive back together and helped these little girls that fell off the lid back into the hive.  If their production continues like this It is going to be a good year for honey.

Pete a Day: 55

Looking for bees.

Pete a Day: 32

Lyla and I checking on the bees.

The Sad Life of Bees

I was out checking on the bees this morning, and I was reminded of the short life span of the honey bee. During the height of the nectar flow the average honey bee life span is four weeks. In the fall and winter months, her life expectancy jumps to three months. I saw a lone bee this morning walking away from the hives. I thought it was odd to see a bee so far from the hive walking. I picked her up and noticed her wings were just shredded and broken. A bee works until the end of usefulness and then leaves the hive so that she is not a burden on the hive’s resources. It was so sad seeing the end of her life cycle. I wanted to take a picture of her, but I didn’t want to be a Debbie Downer on such a new site. Perhaps if I find another one I will take her picture. Until next time here’s a happy bee!

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