New and Naive

[LaurieB]

Hey here is newbee question for you.
My bees are foraging like crazy and bringing back loads of pollen. They still have honey stores...I sort of checked that, but it looks like they may have nosema as well. Should I treat now for that? Well, yes of course I should....if I treat now for that, should I treat later in the spring as well?
Also, when does spring start in beekeeper world, cause it used to just be a May thing for us....I have a feeling it is sooner now.
Alas, it appears that all of my inadvertant attempts at apicide have thus far failed, but I feel like I am totally flailing. Anybody interested in coming over and showing me just how screwed up my one hive operation is?

[beesting]

Hi Laurie you wrote:

My bees are foraging like crazy and bringing back loads of pollen.

Me-Wonderful, you're very lucky.

They still have honey stores

Me-Again wonderful!

...I sort of checked that, but it looks like they may have
nosema as well.

Me-Why do you think it is nosema?
If it is runny poop on the outsides of the bee boxes it could also be from tracheal mite infestation.

Should I treat now for that?

Me- I would treat for tracheal mite and varroa right now, and you might as well treat for foul brood at the same time!

Well, yes of course I should....if I treat now for that, should I treat later in the spring as well?

Me-Yes at about 4 week intervals or whenever the weather allows.

Also, when does spring start in beekeeper world,

Me-As soon as the weather is warm enough for the bees to fly.
The Queen actually, from what I've read, begins laying new brood as soon as the days start getting longer.{Dec. 21?}

cause it used to just be a May thing for us...

Me-May is usually when the bees are making surplus Honey if the weather co-operates and you have a good bee yard.

It looks like the Madrone may bloom in March, here in Southern Oregon. If the weather is warm enough the bees can explode population wise, during the Madrone bloom.

Good Luck,
......beesting.

[JBJ]

Laurie, sounds like Beesting has some great answers for you. I am out of town for a few days, but if you still need some help I may be able to stop by after I get back. Best to get treatment out of the way before the nectar flows. Pollen foraging is an excellant indicator. Great to see some use of the board.