In case you hadn't already heard, the bees died over the winter. Rest in peace little honey makers. What caused their death? I wish I knew. Did they freeze? Did they starve to death? I really don't know, but I speculate they ran out of food because there isn't a drop of honey left in the comb. Ooops.Anyway, I'm over it. Instead of dwelling on our loss, I was eager to get started with a new hive and new season of beekeeping. Yesterday after work, I went to pick up a package of bees from the NH Honey Bee in Gilsum, fresh off the truck from Georgia.
Before we could install the hive, we had to clean out the dead bees from last year's losses... GROSS. Warning, this was disgusting. My dad and I literally had to whack the frames onto the ground to get the dead bees that were wedged inside the comb to fall out. NASTY. I was practically dry heaving.Once that lovely task was complete. We installed the hive! (thanks to mom for videoing, even though the bees were swarming her!)
Now it's time to let the bees do their thing. We will check on the hive this weekend or early next week to make sure the queen has been released into the hive. Fingers crossed for a honey-producing second year!
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