Proof They are Italian Bees

It starting to warm up and the bees are out looking for food where ever they can. They are bring back some pollen, so there are some flowers out there. Also, they have been in the compost bin. They really have taken to the espresso grounds we dump in there. I should have expected that they are Italian Bees.

Warm Winter Day

On a warm winter day the bees will remove any bees that died in the hive. While it seem like a lot, remember there are thousands of bees in the hive.

They will also leave the hive to take care of business, thus yellow spots in the snow. This is a good sign that the hive is making it through the winter.

Prepare for Winter

Just prior to winter, I wrap the hives with a insulating wrap. The bees will remove all Drones during the fall. There is a hole part way up so the bees can get out during the winter.

Honey Harvest

The harvesting of honey takes time. It starts by using a heated knife to cut the wax cap off of the sealed cells. Then the frames are inserted into a centerfuge to spin the honey out.

It takes time on straining the wax from the honey, but thats OK.

Pollen Trap

The pollen trap will allow the bees to enter over a screen and brush off some pollen. Then they leave through a tube which can not be entered through. On a good day a 1/2 cup of pollen can be captured.

More than just honey – There is Pollen !

Bees collect pollen to serve as protein in their diet. They collect the pollen on their back legs and bring it back to the hives.

There is a verity of color due to the different flowers they collect from. And yes the different colors taste different. Some are sweet others are spicy.

Sitting on Front Porch

Yes, sitting on the front porch. On a warn summer evening bees do it as well. In reality on a hot day the hive gets hot inside so when all the bees gather at home in the evening, the house bees send the forgers out side so they do not over heat the hive. I have created a screen inner cover and propped the top cover open to let some of the heat dissipate. I will see in a few days if this helps. In the mean time they can just chill on the front porch.