On October 7,2003 the Franklin County Bee Association had a seminar on
over-wintering colonies. Our instructor Dennis vanEngelsdorp (acting
state apiarist for Pennsylvania) presented an overview of the biology
and practices of over-wintering bee colonies in south central Pa.
  Two practices Dennis strongly stressed were:
       1. Take your winter losses in the fall.
                2. Requeen annually with local queens.
  Dennis eloquently explained the connection between colony size,
metabolic water, disease, brood raising and cluster biology.
  Brood raising in an average size colony commences approximately 45
days after the formation of the winter cluster. This relates to the
accumulation of water in the colony.
  Colony size is a major factor in the over wintering of a colony. Small
and medium size colonies fare better than large colonies. Nosema plays a
role in this fact.
  Water and temperature balance are an important part of the biology of
the cluster. High temperatures cause a water loss; low temperatures
cause a water gain.
A bee in the shell of a cluster moves to the center to evaporate the
metabolic water. Nosema upsets this balance.
  We were recommended to maintain upper entrances in our top boards, as
well as to set a super full of straw on top of the upper board. This is
to aid in the absorption of water and ventilation.
  Api-life Var is not performing real well in this area. The product
needs 5-7 days of temperatures maintained above 60 degrees and not above
90 degrees. When our night temperatures stay above 60 our day
temperatures are above 90.
  The recommendation to requeen with local queens raised a problem.  We
do not have a large supply of locally raised queens in south central Pa.
Of course we were told to get in the business and raise them.
  The Pa meeting at Lewisburg was recommended as being an informative
meeting to attend.
  This is a minor summary of the meeting on Oct 7.  Dennis is an
informative speaker and is actively involved promoting and bettering the
honey bee.


        Tom Martin
Shippensburg Pa

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