Honey flow 2015 California

[John P Lyons]

Hi. I had a question regarding honey flow this year. My own hives were poisoned by a neighbour in Spring so I have nothing to compare with this year. In May I took a nice large amount of honey from my clients two hives like I have done twice a year for the past three years. However today when I opened both hives I could see that they had not rebuilt comb and the mediums were essentially empty. Both deeps in both hives were full and active but it was as if time stood still. No rebuild or honey creation since May. Is this happening everywhere? Is it drought related? Feedback please. Thanks! John

[susan rudnicki]

HI, I have just seen this note—as moderator, I have not been getting my links to posts to my inbox, so am missing things I should remark upon.
You do not say what is meant by “…Both deeps in both hives were full and active ” How many frames of brood in each deep? Did you see eggs? Could they have a queen problem? What does the laying pattern look like?
You do not say what part of the city these hives are in—what is the floral nectar and pollen sourcing going on? Brazilian peppers, melaleuca, and eucalyptus have been in strong flow since early August in the South Bay where I live and are widely planted. I am getting a lot of honey off now.
Weather, honey production, colony health—all these things can vary from year to year. The one certainty about bees that I have seen is, there is no certainty. Are you keeping records of your inspections and what you see when you inspect? This will help with reflecting on solving issues.
Answer the above questions and let us see where that leads. Susan

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