So far this year we've treated the bees with oxalic acid to combat varroa, fed the bees, all colonies, and removed the paving slabs from under the hives. We were recommended to remove the slabs and leave the mesh floors open so that any varroa dropping through it would fall all the way to the ground and not be able to crawl back into the hive. Despite the suggestion, from well respected sources, that open mesh floors are ok even in the dead of winter I can't bring myself to leave the colonies so exposed and I've decided to leave the sliding varroa trays in place until spring is with us. The pond is fully excavated and lined with a pretty substantial carpet. A waterproof liner, butyl is the best I'm told, has not yet been sourced although Bill Mundy is busy looking for a sponsor. The roof felt on all our buildings is springing minor leaks and must be replaced as soon as possible, Bill Mundy is on this case as well. Colony No. 8 has been lost. On inspection there were accessible stores but very few bees. All other colonies seem strong and healthy, as far as I can tell, I'm touching wood as I write and hoping that we'll get through the winter with 11 strong colonies!
Barry
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