View Full Version : Still making queens
A lot of people have asked about making queens late in the year. Of course it's different everywhere, but here in north Texas, I have made 3 queens in the last month in splits. All three are now laying. I expect we'll be able to continue to do so until the end of September. The biggest problem here is dearth, so feeding is a must. I'm betting on a decent fall flow for build up, which won't happen if we don't get rain soon.
Robert Hawkins
09-05-2005, 06:00 PM
Ross, you have drones to fertilize that late?
Hawk
So far, yes. We are still in the high 90's every day and night time lows are 70-75. Our first temperature break is likely to be mid September. They may kick out the drones earlier if this drought doesn't break.
King bee apiary
09-05-2005, 06:47 PM
Here in Alabama I have approx. 30 or more drones in every hive.Drones arn't the problem here,it's the SHB...If I split now they are killed off.I'd love to raise queens now but am afraid i'd lose too more than a queen.
Ross have you noticed an increase in SHB in the hives in late summer?
Robert Hawkins
09-05-2005, 06:53 PM
Your Majesty, I don't have SHB but I was told their larva stage has to develop in the ground and are vulnerable there. I kind of thought that would end the problem. Obviously I missed something.
My ground is covered in pineneedles which turns the soil too acidy for the SHB. If it were that much of a problem, I'd think y'all would be up here loading up some pine needles.
Hawk
tecumseh
09-05-2005, 08:36 PM
Ross...
here in central texas we can generally get queens mated up until the last of October or whenever the first big northern blow in....
Michael Bush
09-06-2005, 06:15 AM
As long as there are still plenty of drones around and weather good enough to mate (above 50 and not raining) you should be able to raise queens.