May 18, 2019

We installed three packages of bees to three hives on cold, rainy day, May 7, 2019 just outside of Boulder, Colorado.  Three days later on May 10th we re opened all three hives, released the queen in each hive and provided 1:1 simple syrup.

After giving the queens 5 days to acclimate to their new home, but before there was any capped brood, we treated for Varroa mite with Oxalic Acid Sublimation on May 15th.

Today is May 18th and it’s time for a follow up check.  Thankfully all queens were located.  In Hive One brood was seen. In the other two hives the volume of bees and activity on the frames made it hard to see.  (Note to self: wear your glasses.) Queen cups were observed in Hive Three (hive closest to the Leyner ditch.)

We finished the hive inspection by topping off the simple syrup in advance of 4 days of expected weather with temperatures in the 40s and potential snow.