Status 6/29/13

I checked on the hybrid queen's hive. I found her and evidence that she has been laying. Everything looks good so I gave her another box to work in so she has 2 mediums.

I looked in on the Italian queen. I only looked into the upper box, and I did not see her, but I did see eggs so she is working hard. Both medium boxes have some empty frames so I think things are Ok.

Both hives still had some syrup so I left things as they are. I decided with this lousy weather I would leave syrup buckets on the hives until they have at least 3 medium boxes each. At the current rate I'm hoping that will be by the end of July. 

I'm hoping that the manufacturer that sells HopGuard will start selling in smaller quantities. I like the idea of a food-grade mite treatment that can be used anytime at any temperature. After last year I'm a bit paranoid about mites and viruses. I don't want to medicate if I don't have to, but I'd like to get the bees through one year.

So far the no gloves experiment is going well. I've been stung less than last year--only once so far.