Not too long ago…just a few months ago…it was this.
Tonight, there are nine hives near our house that have not one single bee that is alive.
Depressed? You bet. There is a great deal of money and heart in our bees. However, we’re on the search for new bees. We’re hoping to get bees that have wintered in Virginia.
While we’ve talked to people in Roanoke whose bees survived, we’ve been told that our story is not uncommon throughout the entire Commonwealth of Virginia.
I’ll keep you posted on our progress. We need our bees. When we get them, we’re moving them closer to the house in a spot that we think will be better with morning sun, evening shade and a wind barrier. If this doesn’t work….I don’t even want to think about that.
I’m so sorry Eva! I know you work hard to keep your bees happy and healthy.
Thank you. Hopefully we are going to get different bees that have wintered in Virginia.
Awwww man, those bee’s made the best Honey. I’m sorry for your loss Eva, I would be sad too. I hope you get some more quick though, I can’t wait for fresh honey.
I hear ya! They broke my heart. They’re like pets. Mean pets but still pets.
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My husband was talking to his grandfather, who said he put heat tape on the hives to keep the bees alive through the winter. It worked, but the bees thought it was spring and started producing brood and eating more syrup.
You might want to look into Russian Bees. They’re more expensive, but they’re supposed to winter well (as you would expect, since they’re from Russia). My husband is starting to keep bees this year, and he plans to re-queen with Russians.