NUC BOX INSTRUCTIONS
We now have instructions for the use and assembly of our nuc boxes. These can be viewed here.
Honey Jars
We have just added a Honey Packaging section which lists 3 different sizes of popular honey jar. If you look in this section you will find our prices are very keen. For example, some of our competitors are selling 12 oz hexagonal jars for around 60p per jar. Our price is just 36p per jar!
NEW STOCK
Kieler upper bodies, Neopol bee food and some full depth LS plastic frames are now in stock. We apologise to those who have been waiting for these items.
We have also added a new stainless steel hive tool. This model is an exceptionally well crafted tool manufactured in Germany and is the type we use for our own beekeeping. Details are here.
VARROA CONTROL
We are now stocking Api Life Var, a Thymol treatment simliar to Apiguard but which can be used without the need for an eke and Varroa Gard, a new hive sanitizer which has received very good reports. Both of these products can be found here.
We have recently received revised advice for the use of Api Life Var in the UK. The manufacturers of Api Life Var have always said for Northern Europe two tablets should be used then 14 days later two more introduced. This compares with the standard method of treating which introduces a single tablet every 7 days.
The problem has been defining what is "Northern Europe". Having now spoken with the manufacturer the guidance is that for Northern Britain, e.g. Scotland, two tablets are recommended. The same also applies elsewhere if treatment starts late and night time temperatures are falling.
It is not a precise art and they cannot say that above a certain Latitude or after a certain date the two tablet procedure should be followed as there are too many variables. The risks of over-dosing are low but if the bees fall out of the hive and hang from the entrance then this is a good indication they have been over-dosed! If this happens the tablets should be removed and when things return to normal introduce a single tablet.
We know some people will like specific guidance but some degree of judgement will have to be used. Our advice would be to use the two tablet system if you are in a cold and exposed site in the northern part of the UK - wherever that starts! Also, if delaying treatment until after the bees have come back from the heather then two tablets would be worth trying wherever you are in the UK - but monitor the bees’ reaction closely especially in the first day or so.
Other thymol treatments do not specify different regimes depending on location and temperature - but these are factors which need to be taken into account. Failure to do so may explain why some people have not found other thymol products as effective as they expected.
Welcome To Modern Beekeeping
Modern Beekeeping are specialist suppliers of high quality beekeeping equipment and beekeeping supplies. Our range of Suits, Jackets and Gloves from the Danish company Swienty represent outstanding value for money and are made to a standard of quality the equal of anything else on the market. Our suits and jackets are made from hard wearing polyester/cotton which unlike pure cotton does not become thinner after repeated washing.
High density polystyrene Langstroth hives from Paradise Honey of Finland offer outstanding performance at an astonishing price. We offer a complete hive, less frames, for a fraction over £43.00 plus VAT. These hives are made from a material which now dominates the market in much of Northern Europe, Few of the major suppliers of beekeeping equipment in countries such as Denmark or Germany even offer wooden hives in their catalogues anymore. For price and performance they are unbeatable - they keep the bees warm and dry in winter and cool in the summer. The hives we offer have been proven in Finland on a bee farming operation with 3,000 colonies where temperatures range from below -35oC in winter to +35oC in summer. These hives are designed for a life of over 30 years and can be easily cleaned and sterilised to ensure healthy bees. High density polystyrene is a proven, durable, recyclable and eminently suitable materiel for bee hives.
We are sure you will find in our range something for your needs, but if you have any questions please contact us and we will do everything we can to find the product or size you require.
Get free beekeeping advice from BeeBase - an essential tool for beekeepers
Once you have your first hive you can register on the National Bee Unit's (NBU) BeeBase database. The NBU uses this database to help monitor bee populations and levels of disease, and provides advice on identifying pests and diseases. They will also advise on the legal requirements for beekeepers.
Registered beekeepers get a free advisory apiary visit from their local bee inspector, who can provide help and advice on all aspects of beekeeping. You can register on the BeeBase website www.nationalbeeunit.com or call on 01904 462510.
