The Heartland Bee Newsletter
June 2021 (9th edition)
Stormy Weather
It's that time of year again: hurricane season. Floridians are more intimately familiar with this tempestuous period than most other Americans, to the point of fatigue at the alarm raised every time a tropical wind blows. It is common practice, about now, to keep a full pantry and gas tank, trim branches, and check generators. Beekeepers have a few extra items to add to their hurricane prep checklist:
Assess apiary sites for weak or dying tree limbs, along with unsecured structures or equipment. Lowland locations might require flood considerations, including access to colonies in standing water.
Fix hives against wind. A popular option is ratchet straps, preferably fastened to a sturdy stand or pallet.
Stock up on sugar. Severe storms can tear the flowers from plants, leaving little nectar forage for the following couple of weeks. Supplemental feeding during these times can be instrumental to colony health and survival.
By the time a hurricane threat becomes imminent, there is little to be done other than hunker down and wait for it to pass. Rumor has it that bees are prone to swarm afterwards, so once the barometric pressure evens out, management is a priority.
Consider, also, reaching out to nearby beekeepers to exchange help. The beauty of having a community of likeminded peers is realized when they support each other. Coming together to trade brood, feed, equipment, and labor will ensure everybody's bees thrive in a time of crisis.
