Monthly Archives: September 2011

Knives’ hive is busting at the seams so I decided to add the 3rd evil ex super to the hive today. In addition to the Ramona Commemorative super, this will be the 4th super overall. I wanted at least four filled out supers before winter to feel good about their chances making it through until next spring.

Brenna got some really nice shots of eggs and larvae in various states of development which is one of the reasons for the additional super.

I’ll continue to feed the hive for the time being until we get some rain. It is starting to look promising with some rain falling in Austin this weekend and cooler temperatures on the way.

During my hive inspections, I’ve started placing a line of honey along the front entrance. I figure it helps keep the girls occupied, and who knows, they may even start associating an inspection with a treat of honey. I always get a laugh when I see them come out of the hive and start taking up the honey. They really remind me of pigs at a trough.

We finally had a break in temperature today, and it was a beautiful 75 degrees when I checked on the hives. The ironic part is a good chunk of the Austin area is on fire right now as the cold front brought it gusty winds and lowered the humidity considerably. It would have been really nice if Tropical Storm Lee had decided to go through Texas as opposed to the other Gulf Coast states.