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Friday, June 15, 2018

Mite Control, Honey Production, Quality Queens & Winter

We are David and Sheri Burns from Long Lane Honey Bee Farms and Honeybeesonline.com. Today we want to share some important facts and management skills concerning mite control, honey production, quality queens and preparing your colony for winter. Of all these topics, one stands out the most to most beekeepers this time of year: Honey! However, until you learn to control mites your honey production will always suffer. And if the quality of your queen is not up to par, honey production will suffer. Of course, if you aren't thinking about winter preparation within the next 6 weeks, you will have no honey production next year if your hive does not survive the winter of 2018-2019.

Controlling varroa destructor determines the success and productivity of your
colonies. These mites spread viruses throughout the colony. Since bees feed mouth to mouth, viruses spread rapidly. Usually bees infected with a virus only live half of their life. This means in the summer, a bee will die from a virus at about day 23, almost old enough to start foraging. In the winter, it means they will die in March. Watch my video on How To Test For Mites. It's easy!

Controlling mites is challenging. The higher the mite count, the higher the risk is for your colony to fail during the winter from viruses which are spread by varroa mites. Read More

Honey Production
Queen excluders are a great way to keep the queen out of honey supers but can often discourage the colony from placing honey in the supers as well. This year has been a great year for bees to pack in the honey for most beekeepers. But occasionally there are issues and beekeepers struggle with getting the top super started. What can slow down or prevent bees from storing honey for you? Read more...

David's Newest YouTube Video Over 3 Million Channel Views!

Can You Trust Your Queen?
Queens fail and at the worst times too, right? You had a great queen last month but now things aren't looking too good. Everything rides on the success and productivity of an outstanding queen. I'm excited about offering our queens for sale again this year, 2018. We've sold a bunch. As you know I am very particular about providing quality queens. I've put together my "QUEEN DREAM TEAM" consisting of others that will be raising queens for 2018. Myself and two other highly respected and experienced beekeepers are working hard raising queens that are for sale now.

The queens that we sell are not a specific "race" but rather queens that have been raised from selected northern colonies that have made us proud. Our queens are raised here in Illinois. As producers we are in compliance with the Illinois Department of Agricultural's rules and regulation regarding raising queens. All hives from which we are raising queens have passed inspection for 2018 from the Illinois Department of Agricultural Apiary Inspection Program. Click here to order your queen now!


Don't Wait Until It's Too Late To Prepare For Winter

I get it! It's 90 degrees outside. You're focus is on honey production or building up your colony. However, you need to be doing things now to make sure your colony will make it through the winter. Winter prep is not something you can quickly do in September. Winter preparation needs to be on your mind now. Get a head of trouble before it happens so your bees can enter into late summer and fall healthy and ready for a cold winter.




I'm very excited to finally offer this course online, from the comfort of your home. And by signing up now, you will be equipped to take the necessary action NOW to prepare for winter! No traveling, no hot, outdoor class to attend. Take this course through my online video course from the comfort of your home at your pace, whenever you want. Sign up today.

Your Bees May Do Some Strange Things. What Will You Do?
Knowing what to do and when is the tricky part of beekeeping. Let me be your mentor. I have a special mentorship program called BeeTeam6 where you can call, email or text me concerns or questions you are having about your bees. Plus you receive tips and regular instructional beekeeping video. Even if you are not keeping bees yet, this is perfect to help you gain the education you need before you start. Or if you are starting this year, why not have the extra peace of mind by having someone you can consult. 
 
FIND OUT MORE

A Day In The Apiary With David

Everyone loves this class. 2 hours playing in the hives with EAS certified master beekeeper, David Burns. The next one will be  Saturday June 30, 8:30-11am. This is your opportunity to stick your head in hives with David and ask all the questions you want. We have 2 spots still open. Sign up now. This class is offered here at our honey bee farm outside of Catlin, Illinois. Bring your protective gear, food and water.

Sincerely,

David and Sheri Burns
Long Lane Honey Bee Farms
Wed-Saturday 10am-2pm
217-427-2678
www.honeybeesonline.com





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