The bees have been busy this spring, with a large number of swarms appearing across our district. They have also been keeping members of the Mudgee Bee Group busy.
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Swarming is the way bees increase their population. Swarms can be spectacular when you see them flying over and settling to rest somewhere. Usually bees are at their calmest when swarming, but not always!
Mudgee Bee Group have a swarm co-ordinator that can assist with information or removal of a swarm, contact Sandi Munro on 0487 898 404.
Spring is when the bees do their most important work; pollinating trees, crops and flowers and, of course, making honey! To help the bees this spring there are a few things you can do.
Bees use up to five litres of water a day per hive during hot weather to quench their thirst, and to keep the hive at a constant temperature for the brood to be healthy. In dry times you can help by putting water out for them. Bees can't swim, so add some sticks, pebbles or corks to the bird bath to help them get out if they fall in.
Don't use chemical sprays, especially on blooms. Plant a bee garden - bees need food and most flowering plants give some benefit to bees by way of pollen and nectar. Borage, lavender and rosemary are easy to grow and very popular with bees.
Visit www.facebook.com/Mudgeebeegroup . For more information contact Claudia Wythes, Watershed Landcare Coordinator, on 0412 011 064 or claudiawythes@watershedlandcare.com.au.
