Im a new subscriber. I saw one of your videos on making queens . I enjoyed it and was disappointed when it ended . Have you had any hives abscond? We have had lots of yellow jackets bothering our hives. I had 3 hives which appeared to be doing well. We harvested honey which was a wicked experience late sept. They were given liquid syrup for couple weeks then as the outside temp were decreasing i replaced it with a protein patty. They had lots of honey. Then the yellow jackets increased in numbers and within a few weeks the weakest hive absconded then another hive absconded a week later and the largest hive absconded the next week. Before the hives left i would go out every day for one hour to catch the YJ in a net and then squish them . I caught 40 yellow jackets in each hour. they didnt want the jam i was advised to put out, i tried raw meat and they didnt want that .They wanted honey. Today i saw 10 YJ flying around the empty hives. Our temps are around 10c . Have you made any videos on absconding. Some people on bee facebook groups are saying the bees were not chased by yellow jackets and that the hives were weak with mites. I thought my hives were good sizes. The frames were filled with bees that i couldnt see what was under them. I received the hives in june and was going to do OA treatment just in case they had mites. When the bees left the hives were clean. Any thoughts? It our 3rd season in beekeeping.
Hey there. I've experienced YJ pestering my hives as well. The key points I found like you mentioned is to maintain strong colonies to deter these YJ. When you did hive inspections make sure you see signs of the queen every time eggs, or young larvae . This is important because if 3-4 weeks go by without a queen those bees are not getting replaced with the new generation. Another thing is after the honey flow, is to reduce your hives entrance to make it easier for your hives to defend against these YJ and other pest. Sounds like there is a lot going on and without me being there to see the hive this is the best advice I would recommend. Thanks.
Sounds like stuff is going well over at Brandon’s Bee yard! Love to see it!
Enjoying your posts! By the way, where are you located???
Thank you! Located in Southern Ohio!
Enjoying your videos! By the way, where are you located??
Thank you! Located in Southern Ohio!
Im a new subscriber. I saw one of your videos on making queens . I enjoyed it and was disappointed when it ended . Have you had any hives abscond? We have had lots of yellow jackets bothering our hives. I had 3 hives which appeared to be doing well. We harvested honey which was a wicked experience late sept. They were given liquid syrup for couple weeks then as the outside temp were decreasing i replaced it with a protein patty. They had lots of honey. Then the yellow jackets increased in numbers and within a few weeks the weakest hive absconded then another hive absconded a week later and the largest hive absconded the next week. Before the hives left i would go out every day for one hour to catch the YJ in a net and then squish them . I caught 40 yellow jackets in each hour. they didnt want the jam i was advised to put out, i tried raw meat and they didnt want that .They wanted honey. Today i saw 10 YJ flying around the empty hives. Our temps are around 10c . Have you made any videos on absconding. Some people on bee facebook groups are saying the bees were not chased by yellow jackets and that the hives were weak with mites. I thought my hives were good sizes. The frames were filled with bees that i couldnt see what was under them. I received the hives in june and was going to do OA treatment just in case they had mites. When the bees left the hives were clean. Any thoughts? It our 3rd season in beekeeping.
Hey there. I've experienced YJ pestering my hives as well. The key points I found like you mentioned is to maintain strong colonies to deter these YJ. When you did hive inspections make sure you see signs of the queen every time eggs, or young larvae . This is important because if 3-4 weeks go by without a queen those bees are not getting replaced with the new generation. Another thing is after the honey flow, is to reduce your hives entrance to make it easier for your hives to defend against these YJ and other pest. Sounds like there is a lot going on and without me being there to see the hive this is the best advice I would recommend. Thanks.
Good stuff Brandon
Thanks for watching Bruce I appreciate it!
Bees look awesome.
Thanks Brad! I think so too! How are the small hive beetles this time of year for you down south?
@@brandonsbees1 keeping them under control so far with traps and swifter pads.