Super Spring Beekeeping Sessions

14Apr - by Patrick Owen - 0 - In Student Life Sustainability

Want to learn more about bees? 🐝

As spring arrives and the weather warms up, beekeepers everywhere are preparing for annual beehive inspections. These inspections are a crucial part of beekeeping, as they help to ensure the health and wellbeing of the bees and monitor the hive’s productivity.

Each week, two lucky students or staff members will have the opportunity to join Pollenize for a beekeeping hive inspection at Marjon! This will involve putting a bee suit on and learning why bees are so crucial to the environment! The inspections last approximately 40 minutes.

What is a beehive inspection? 🔍

A bee-hive inspection thoroughly examines a bee colony and its hive, typically carried out by a beekeeper. During the inspection, the beekeeper will check for a range of things, including the overall health of the bees, the condition of the hive and frames, and the presence of any pests or diseases.

Why are beehive inspections important?

There are several reasons why bee-hive inspections are so important. For one, they allow beekeepers to monitor the health of their bees and identify any potential problems before they become more serious. This can include identifying pests such as Varroa mites or wax moths, which can quickly decimate a bee colony if left unchecked. Inspections also allow beekeepers to assess the hive’s productivity and ensure the bees have enough space to store honey and pollen.

Another important reason for bee-hive inspections is to prevent the spread of disease. Bees can be susceptible to a range of diseases, including European Foulbrood, which can quickly spread throughout a hive and to other hives in the area. By regularly inspecting hives and identifying any signs of disease early on, beekeepers can take steps to prevent the spread of disease and protect their bees and other local hives.

Before the inspection, it’s a good idea to observe the bees from a distance to see if there are any unusual behaviours or signs of distress. You should also ensure that the weather conditions are suitable for an inspection, as bees can become agitated in high winds or extreme temperatures.

During the inspection, move slowly and carefully to avoid disturbing the bees. Gently remove the frames to check for any signs of disease or pests. Make notes of any observations you make during the inspection so that you can refer back to them if you get the opportunity to look at the hive again in the future!

Fancy getting involved?

Step 1 Fill in the health and safety form here.

Step 2 Contact Sustainability@marjon.ac.uk to book your place and stay informed about upcoming sessions. Because hives inspections are weather-dependent, it won’t be possible to give an exact date until a few days before the start of the session.

Step 3 Follow us on social media to stay updated about upcoming events here.

Beekeeping sessions information