Greetings from Central North Carolina

[specialkayme]

I just finished joining, so I figured I'd step in and introduce myself.

I've been beekeeping for a few years now. I got started when I took an intro to beekeeping class at NC State Univ. I'm still a student, but now in Law School, and I wander between Greensboro and Raleigh, NC.

I still have a hard time with beekeeping, mainly because I don't really have the time to commit in early spring. It really sucks.

As a result, my largest problems are controling swarms. Last year I had five hives, divided them into seven, then due to swarms and wax moths I lost all but two. One died out early winter, and the other I think might not make it. Going to check up and see where they are at next weekend. Hopefully they make it.

Just built an OH and bought a few frames of brood off Iddee (thanks buddy). I'm looking to buy two or three more hives to repopulate what I lost last spring and winter. (If anyone knows anyone that is trying to get rid of a few full hives in the central NC area, let me know, nucs and packages are good, but full wintered hives are even better :) ).

I'm not a good beekeeper, I'm having hard times keeping them here, and keeping them calm, but I'm trying and learning from my mistakes.

Oh, and I look foreward to learning more.

[troutstalker2]

   

      Welcome from Hickory, NC. I've been into it for about two years. Last year I learned a few things about swarms also, but we are in it to learn and learn we will. I have 3 hives, have not lost any yet, but have not gotten a lot of honey either. I'm hoping this year will be a little  better in that respect.
    Again, welcome and don't be afraid to ask questions; you will learn a lot here.


David

[Cindi]

Specialkayme, welcome to our forum, so nice that you have found us.  Sorry to hear of your loss of the bees.  These things do, unfortunately, happen.  Swarming is one of the most difficult things for the beekeeper, if you don't have the time to pay close attention to them.  This can be a place where you can tell your tales, stories and experiences, learn new stuff, teach stuff, give advice, take advice and make new friends.  Stick around.  Have a wonderful, great day, great health.  Cindi

[1reb]

Hello and Welcome Specialkayme
There is alot of great information on the forum !!
The members here are willing help and answer your questions, all you need to do is to ask
Johnny

[specialkayme]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the well wishing.

I wish I had specific questions to ask, but the general lack of knowledge in certain areas makes me feel uncomfortable posting questions like:

"How do I stop my bees from swarming?"
"Why do my bees get so angry?" ----- (I don't think they are that angry, but the ones I buy are ALWAYS so much calmer than mine)
"How do you use a swarm trap?"


Or the like. I think I'll try and not feel like a 2 year old and read what everyone else posted before I start with the broad questions.

But thanks guys.

[manfre]

Hello specialkayme, I'm very new to beekeeping (no hives yet) and right in your area.

[BjornBee]

Hello specialkayme, I'm very new to beekeeping (no hives yet) and right in your area.

manfre,
No Bees.... :idunno:

Sounds to me, like you should be setting out some swarm boxes over at specialkayme's place. Sounds like many swarm opportunities.  ;)

Welcome aboard specialkayme.... :-D

[specialkayme]

Hello specialkayme, I'm very new to beekeeping (no hives yet) and right in your area.

manfre,
No Bees.... :idunno:

Sounds to me, like you should be setting out some swarm boxes over at specialkayme's place. Sounds like many swarm opportunities.  ;)

Welcome aboard specialkayme.... :-D

My house is very close to Cary, so yeah, all you would need is a swarm trap somewhere in cary and I'm sure you'd make bank. Haha.

[tshnc01]

Hopefully you have been able to get some replacement hives and are ready for the Tulip Poplar nectar flow.  It should start in the next week or so.

...Tim

[iddee]

Glad to see you found us. Remember, when things are as bad as they can get, the only way to go from there is up.  :lol: Things will get better.
Glad I could help.

[Kathyp]

sounds like special should put some swarm traps out at his house!  :-D

take an old super.  put some old comb in it.  set it away from your yard a bit.  see what happens!  catching swarms is good.  catching your own swarms is great!

[eri]

Welcome! Seems there are now quite a few of us here from the NC Triangle/Triad area.

So when are you going to invite us all to your place to set swarm traps? (just kidding)

[Little John_NC]

Another Tar Heel  :-D WELCOME  specialkayme :-D
Im way south of you on the Great Peedee River bout 16 miles west of Rockingham NC.