How much more time in NC?

[NewJoe]

new bee keeper here! First year.

Anyone have an idea on average how much more time we have in eastern NC for the bees to keep bringing in nector to make honey for winter storage?

I know it varies with weather, but I just don't know when things generally slow down.

[Hedgy]

I am a new bee keeper in Raleigh and started my nuc in june. i have been feeding since then, at this point they are taking in a little over a quart a day. I can not see much nectar coming in. I was told, though who knows if this correct that you can start to feed them and they will only take it if there is not enough natural nectar coming in. I was up at Brushy Mountain and they said I could also start feeding pollen patties…….hope this helps a little!

[hoodswoods]

In north Georgia they're only bringing in pollen - hope your feeding for winter.

[jadell]

You have more time than I do here in the mountains. I think a good way to judge would be around your first average frost date. I would want them to be ready by then, most flowers will be done then. There will still be warm days to feed, but they still have to evaporate it down. Watch out for SHB if you use pollen patties. Just my 2 cents though.

[Hedgy]

Jadell, I have been pondering about the SHB, and to date I haven't put any out.......I have a small beetle trap on the bottom brood box, do you think pollen patties are worth the risk?

[jadell]

No, unless no pollen is stored and there isn't any available for them to forage. I wouldn't worry if you see them bringing it in.

Newjoe,
I forgot to answer your original question...We have about two months before the brakes get put on here, so I would think you have at least that long. That's plenty of time.

[RudyT]

I was told to cut the pollen patty into small pieces and put in the amount the bees consume in 2 or 3 days.
Put it right above the brood frames.
I am guessing that might be 1/8 of a patty if you have a several frames of brood and a full box or more of bees.

[NewJoe]

thanks for the info. Bees still bringing in pollen so i think there may be some time still.

New situation just happened saturday. it appears about half the hive has now swarmed out! BUMMER! My kids came in and said, i think the bees are swarming, they were right i went out and I could hear them from 200 feet away. They were about 30 feet up in a tree and 15 mins later gone!

now i guess when the weather clears i will get inside the hive and see whats left and if they have any queen cells. I was just inside a week ago, and did not suspect a swarm. guess i still have tons to learn!