It's not too late

Bees are a hot commodity this year, with our nucs selling out fast. Fortunately we were able to increase our order...so don't delay, when we're out, we're out! Packages are now sold out for the year. Package pick up day will be Saturday, April 10, late afternoon. An email to reserve your pick up time will be emailed in April. We just got an update regarding our nucs, we're looking at the end of April. No date yet.

Club meeting this Sunday, March 14
Queen issues and events

This month we welcome back Apiculture Extension Educator Ana Heck. Learn why queens raise queen cells and how to distinguish between swarming, supersedure, and emergency queen events. This presentation will also cover factors in deciding whether the beekeeper should intervene and how to prevent and deal with queen events.

Join Zoom Meeting
March 14,  4 - 6 pm

https://fugue.zoom.us/j/92930363551?pwd=dWIydUhqUFpENEY3K3NPRkNHV2V6UT09 (map)

Meeting ID: 929 3036 3551
Passcode: 789518
One tap mobile
+16699006833,,92930363551#,,,,*789518# US (San Jose)

New to Zoom? Here's a tutorial to help you get started.

Our last beekeeping class of the year

You’ve just installed your bees. What’s next? This field day class provides new beekeepers an in-hive review and demonstration of topics covered in Beginning Beekeeping. The class will be held at our club apiary behind the Sherwood Demonstration Garden. Sign up today.

Mite wash alternatives for alcohol

Running low on alcohol for mite washes? Randy Oliver recommends using Dawn Ultra detergent, "It works very well for mite washes and is on par with 91% isopropyl, better than 70% isopropyl, and much better than windshield fluid."

To use, dilute to 1-2 T per gallon of water. A weaker solution is less efficacious and there is no benefit to making it stronger. Allow the bees to soak in the solution for a full minute before agitation, by which time most of the mites will have dropped to the bottom of their own accord. Final agitation should be a swirl action, with no up and down shaking. Little agitation is required for basic mite monitoring.

Hungry Bees?

The club has pollen patties for sale, $3 each. Placerville area, contact John Havicon at 916.996.8371, or for the Cameron Park area, contact Bernie Ruiz at 916.719.6708.

The flowers are bloomin' and we'll bee Zoomin'!

"See" everyone this Sunday. It's great to be alive!