News and Commentary
Fall Harvest Sunday October 9, 2022-Sunny , temp 58
>•4-10 frame shallow supers-really packed! HEAVY!!!
1@37
1@37
1@41
1@49
Total gross wgt 164 #
Total net wgt comb/honey 124#
[Tare Weight Appx 10 #/super]
>•1-10-cassette HHC cleanup from spring season-all comb built out, only 7 filled/capped or partially
Both bee escapes worked very well. The “triangle”and the ceracell “cone” ones. The supers were cleared, but didn’t attempt today to pull the escapes. Will get them in one week. 48 hours/2 supers.
No more than 12 bees had to be cleared by using the blower.
UPDATE: REMEMBER TO BLOW THE FRAMES TOP TO BOTTOM ANDBOTTOM TO TOP. brought the supers into the basement and just finished killing about 20 more. They were probably lined up along the bottom bar-never checked before bring in- did visual cursory check looking between frames In super.
Seems like…24 hours/super worked well.
2supers =48 hours to clear them
May 11, 2022
Modified hive inspection today. Cross-combing between boxes caused pupae cells to be accidentally and prematurely opened.
Pollution hinders Pollination……
Wall Street Journal, January 20, 2022
3/29/22 Learn how to identify the trees common to Pennsylvania
Linden tree
https://www.envirothonpa.org/documents/2011_CommonTreesBooklet.pdf
3/18/22 Update on Giant Asian Hornets
3/16/22
Keep an eye out for daffodils– a sure sign that spring is coming!
Treehugger.com
Watch the episode of HGTV’s “Fixer to Fabulous: Welcome Inn” which aired 3/15/22.
Unexpected massive honey bee colonies found in the columns at front of house.
Watch as the rehabbers try to deal with the removal!
February 17, 2022
Earliest that I can remember getting a pollen alert. It was for juniper.
March 3, 2022
Swarm season is almost upon us as the bees will soon break cluster and determine whether they need a new home! Bee on the lookout for early swarms and contact me with your sightings!
November 1, 2021
So took down the backlot swarm trap for the year and, lo and behold, looks like it was a temporary layover for some bees investigating a possible new home. Apparently, it didn’t meet their needs. They started some comb-building on the underside of the outer cover, but must have changed their minds and split for some more suitable ”digs”.
October 26. 2021
Had over 35 swarm calls/inquiries this season. The key question to answer is still being able to differentiate whether they are honey bees or wasps. Nearly half the time, they turn out to be wasps, bumblebees, or hornets. Hopefully, folks will use the photos posted on this website to learn and identify what they are encountering, then call for help. 
Oct 25, 2021. Calm before the storm….girls still foraging on the cranesbill geranium…temps still in the low 70’s.
Saw these signs scattered throughout a neighborhood in Hopedale, Massachusetts during a recent road trip. Pollinator awareness put into action!
The bees are packing in the pollen. Good flow this year from the goldenrod.
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I went to the Bee man to buy a dozen bees. He handed me a jar of bees and I paid him. When I counted the bees, there were 13 of them. He told me the additional one was a freebie.
€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€
Is this Legit?!!!
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Very creative! Thanks to Laura Sparkman
Latest call to Dedko’s for service. Turned out to be yellowjackets. Always important to send a photo first before you call. Helps to identify the issue.
Another Asian Giant Hornet nest found in Washington state….
Stingless bee colonies found in California.
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May 25, 2021-swarm season underway!
After a scorcher of a weekend, the temps have dropped in the past two days. However, looks like we’re returning to 85+ temps tomorrow, so I’m looking for an uptick in bee swarming behavior! Keep your eyes open for swarms and be sure to contact me should you see one.
Be sure to review the “Questions to Consider” tab to help with the assessment of the swarm you’re seeing.
It is especially helpful if you’re able to send a picture to my phone. 610-349-9597.
August 23, 2021-Aftermath of tropical storm Henri
As tropical storm Henri and its outer rain bands leave our area, I’m sure the bees will be anxious to get out of the hive and forage for needed resources. Keep your eyes open for any swarms in your area!
May 15, 2021–Skep model
Built this skep hive model with 11″ flower pot as foundation, 45′ of 1/2″ rope and a hot glue gun.
August 24, 2021-Original, bee-themed artwork!
We were fortunate to receive, as a gift, this original art piece done by a great artist, Estelle Grengs. (I apologize for the sub-optimal resolution of the photo). Read more about her and view her body of work by following the link. She frequently uses bee-related themes in her works, as well as many other naturalist interpretations.
September 1, 2021-
Philadelphia Honey Festival-September 10-12
https://phillyhoneyfest.com/?fbclid=IwAR2FEQpHRedrCYfPy8YeMxuJCWpo9DeJexl8RzxdvynpV4kZd6768muDmsY
