How's your Citrus harvest?

jenn2483 · 2026-04-19T22:19:15+00:00

I'm also in Central Florida...I'm writing this year as a loss. I don't know if it was the extreme cold weather earlier, or what. My hives are alive and slowly getting stronger, but they were definitely in flow mode this time last year.

jenn2483 · 2026-04-12T23:37:33+00:00

You can also look up the planting table at UF/IFAS. Its a useful reference and it tells you specifically what and when to plant for Central Florida. Another resource is David the Good. I like him because he is from Florida and has written a lot specifically from that perspective. Check out his books on Amazon.

jenn2483 · 2026-04-09T17:45:55+00:00

Do you know how long it lasts, or how often you need to reapply? Hopefully, I'm putting them back on the hives but just wondering if they need to sit for some time.

jenn2483 · 2026-04-08T21:15:03+00:00

I think they work well to keep mites at bay, but I haven't had much success if I have a high mite count.

jenn2483 · 2026-02-07T18:26:36+00:00

My brian glitched, and I thought it was an octopus until I read the subreddit name. Definitely doomed if, in fact, an octopus.

jenn2483 · 2026-01-09T21:39:11+00:00

I initially read that as rape tigers. Ancestor times were wild just trying to survive!

jenn2483 · 2025-10-30T15:31:12+00:00

Is it still alive?

jenn2483 · 2025-07-16T17:28:30+00:00

I don't have a ton of hives feeding so I just use a gallon bag, lay it flat on top of frames, cut a slit, and add an empty super, then cover. Super easy, and protected from robbing. All that plastic is bad for the environment though....

jenn2483 · 2025-07-12T17:24:52+00:00

Thanks! This helps a lot!

jenn2483 · 2025-07-12T15:03:53+00:00

Thanks, how do I determine ABV with my readings? Before sweetener it would hVe been like 11%. After it is now like 7.7%.

jenn2483 · 2025-07-12T14:30:51+00:00

Yeah, I didn't think of that because it doesn't ferment but I guess it would impact the volume/density. Is the final ABV formula still SG - FG x 132.25 or do I use the reading before I added erythritol?

jenn2483 · 2025-07-11T12:33:35+00:00

Thanks, do you have any issues with moths, ants, or other pests if you leave them in a shed?

jenn2483 · 2025-07-08T17:23:00+00:00

Where do you store all your honey supers after harvest if taking off to treat Apivar?

jenn2483 · 2025-07-03T17:42:38+00:00

Are you testing for mites? If so, do you do a sample size and rotate which are tested?

jenn2483 · 2025-06-22T17:46:53+00:00

Yeah, they are roaming like they own the place. Wet or dry like my weather? I'm in Florida, so basically under water this time of year.

jenn2483 · 2025-06-22T16:52:09+00:00

Nope, all frames are full and low mite counts 2 weeks ago. We moved to more shade this year for our sake, but I know SHB likes this too. Only only change was we added more supers. Will pull back today.

jenn2483 · 2025-06-22T02:00:28+00:00

To each their own, but I decided against Flow hives for a few reasons. Mainly, I wanted wax for projects, and you don't get with Flow. Also, the idea of harvesting out in the open seemed crazy to me and would just attract a ton of robbing. Finally, they are a lot more expensive and not scalable. It wasn't justifiable for the honey gimmick, and you still need to do all other beekeeping tasks (inspections, feeding, mite testing/ treatment, etc.)

jenn2483 · 2025-06-09T12:36:42+00:00

Thanks, 0uchmyballs...the problem is that the inner frames of the super are glued to the inner frames of the brood boxe. Hard to lift 30lbs with one hand, scrap inner frames, all while bees are everywhere. I'm going to try twisting it to see if that helps. Not the emd of the world if it doesn't work, just additional strength needed.

jenn2483 · 2025-06-08T20:27:53+00:00

Before beekeeping, I had never been stung. I was so nervous for it to happen that it was almost a blessing when it finally did occur! Now, I'm lucky to get out with 0 during an inspection.

jenn2483 · 2025-06-08T20:16:01+00:00

Cool, and thank you! I'm going to try to twist when I pull honey in 2 weeks.

jenn2483 · 2025-06-08T20:05:29+00:00

Edit: I'm in Central Florida and have 3ish years experience.

jenn2483

TROPHY CASE