The June Gap

We fed the bees some sugar and water syrup today to help them through the "June Gap". This is a short spell in June each year were there is a reduction in the amount of pollen available. The bees need fed so that they continue producing honey through this time. The "summer rush" is on its way though in July and August where there will be a high level of nectar around again. We also have a drone-laying queen which means we are unlikely to get honey from one of our hives unfortunately. We tried to find her today so that we can re-queen this hive but despite a good inspection she was hiding. No eggs in the new hive either, but we are hoping to see them coming next week or so.