Autumn Beekeeping 2023 (mouse guards)

It’s that time of year again.  I stapled on the mouse guards made out of 1/2 inch hardware cloth while the honey bees are still active and we don’t have any unwanted residents.

The bees were not impressed with the staple-gun rattling the hives. A suit was definitely require this time of year.

The bees seem strong going into fall with all the colonies very heavy.  “Like a box of rocks” I have heard before when reading historical books.  The honey bees have glued up everything with propolis and look good for the winter.  Propolis is a resin gathered by the honeybees from tree sap, buds, or other botanical sources to seal up and fill spaces in the beehive.

I dare not open the hives this time of year.  They have it organized the way they want with plenty of honey and sealed up for winter.  I am impressed with the strength of the colonies this year.  Time will tell as Mother Nature/Old Man Winter culls out the weak. The colonies are in good position to go into winter for this time of year.