“The bee’s life is like a magic well: the more you draw from it, the more it fills with water”
― Karl Von Frisch, “Bees: Their Vision, Chemical Senses and Language”

Ah, it’s mid-August! This is one of the busiest (and most rewarding) month for beekeepers – as well as for our busy bees. For most beekeepers, except a few of us, honey supers are off the hives and this is the perfect time for checking mite levels and apply treatments if necessary. If you are lucky, your bees are still busily bringing home nectar. Wise beekeeper that you are, you will be reserving this late season’s golden honey bounty for your colony’s own winter use.

Overwintering and mite treatments are critical for the well-being of our bees. That is why Grace will be sharing best practices and tips on the topic of “Varroa Treatment and Preparing for winter” in her monthly What’s Happening in the Hive This Month talk. Weather permitting, and it sure looks that way, Don will be opening the hives at the apiary behind the Barn, too. Please bring your veil. These two educational presentations, one indoor and one outdoor, will both start at 1 PM. You want to be there. Of course, any help setting up the room earlier are appreciated. Thanks!

Lastly, I’m happy to report that we’ve “applied what we preached” at the apiary atop the famed Javits Center. Our team have expertly managed the five roof-top hives there. We have recently collected honey and applied mite treatments. Because of the care and attention that we have given them, I believe these hives will overwinter very well. As a reminder, if you wish to visit these NYC hives, please contact Rick, Grace, or myself. The Center welcomes our members there, especially accompanied by our club’s managing team leaders. It’s a really good learning opportunity watching, and perhaps working alongside, some of the most experienced beekeepers in our club and on multiple hives. Please take advantage of it.

Bee well, and enjoy the beautiful summer days with your bees.

Steve Chen
President, LIBC