Last week I ordered a mouseguard for the hive to prevent mice from finding a cosy home inside my hive this winter. I went out yesterday to fit it – a thin piece of metal with bee size holes which go in front of the hive entrance. Feeling lazy, I thought I could get away without my bee suit. That was a mistake as interfering with the front of the hive upset the bees and although it was cold a large number came out to defend the hive. So I had to retreat and suit up properly. After fitting the mouse guard I somehow managed to bring a few bees back home!!

The bees seem so much less active now that the weather has cooled down in London.  I hardly see them now buzzing around the garden.  I guess they’re happier keeping themselves inside the hive.  The key tasks at this time of the year is to rearrange the hive.  For some reason, it’s recommended that the super (a box which is placed on top of the brood box usually) is placed underneath the brood box.  Also, they say you should get a mouse guard to prevent them inhabiting the cosy environment of the hive!  It’s been a bit busy on the wards recently but as soon as I get time I’ll get the hive ready for winter.