July Apiary Checklist

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Points to Ponder

    Swarm prevention are still critical
    Swarm management procedures in place still
    Varroa checks as always
    Comb changing and Comb Management
Swarm Management Procedures

Manage the impulse to swarm by keeping young queens. It is thought that a young queen
will produce larger amounts of queen substance than an older queen. Put an extra super
on when the last one is full of bees, not full of honey.

Make sure that the colony has plenty of ventilation as this ensures that the queen substance
can be distributed easily. It also helps in the evaporation of the nectar.

Check for Varroa
    The check for varroa should be standard now at every inspection

    Treat as necessary using your preferred method

Honey removal
Remove any full supers and replace with a super of drawn comb or fresh foundation is necessary
Comb Management

Comb changing

Old dark comb can be replaced by several methods
1. By gradually moving frames from the centre to outside - which is quite slow
2. Use the 'Shook Swarm' - method which is very quick
3. Do a 'Bailey Change' - which takes three to four weeks

Bailey Change - A quick guide

Shook swarm - A quick guide