The current heat wave represents a serious challenge for plants, animals, and especially beekeepers and bees, because extreme temperatures can negatively affect their health and survival. Beekeepers face difficulties in preserving bee colonies during this period. Marina Petković, a professional beekeeper from Donji Bunibrod near Leskovac, points out that, although bees are “children of the Sun”, excessive heat can be harmful and cause “cooking of the brood” inside the hive.
Each bee colony maintains a specific microclimate inside the hive, which includes a certain humidity and temperature. When this microclimate is disturbed by high temperatures, serious problems can occur, including the destruction of the brood.
Bees require attention, especially during the heat
To preserve bees during warm days, it is extremely important to choose a suitable location for the hives. Concrete surfaces should be avoided; it is best to place hives on grassy areas. Ideally, the beehives should be exposed to the first sunlight in the morning, while during the noon and afternoon they should be in the shade provided by deciduous trees.
Of course, if you want to protect bees during this heatstroke, there are a few useful things you can do today. Namely, beekeepers are advised to ensure an inflow of fresh water, because water is crucial for bees during hot days. Also, the honey in the hive acts as an excellent thermoregulator, so it is not recommended to remove all the honey from the hive. Additional help can be provided by installing insulation in the hive collection, using materials such as newsprint, Styrofoam, or Styrofoam.
Quality beehives are essential for serious beekeepers, because they are responsible for the life of the bees. Preparation of bees for winter starts from the first day of spring. Of course, it is very important that beekeepers are prepared for all weather conditions that can affect the health of bees. During a heat wave, protection against varroa, a harmful parasite for bees, can be difficult, because high temperatures can cause faster evaporation of protective agents, which can worsen the development of varroa.
Source: Good morning
Source: boljazemlja.com
