Hello! I’m Anouk, a first-year industrial clerk apprentice at BLOCK. My colleague Jonas and I have been part of our in-house Bee Club, which takes care of our BLOCK bees, since this spring.
BEES AT BLOCK
For four years now, we've had buzzing employees at BLOCK. Since starting with two colonies in 2020, the number has significantly increased. We now have four colonies at our main site in Verden and three more at our second site in Verden.
As soon as the first early bloomers, such as snowdrops, crocuses, and canola, start blooming and nature awakens from its winter slumber, it marks an active period not only for our bees but also for us beekeepers.
At the beginning of the season, we conduct weekly swarm checks for all our colonies and expand them by adding new combs.
SWARM CHECKS – WHAT ARE THEY EXACTLY?
During a swarm check, we look for queen cells, which need to be removed if found. These cells are created when a colony has swarming intentions. The bees rear multiple new queens to start an independent colony that leaves the hive once the new queen emerges and seeks a new home. However, there are few natural hiding places for bees in the area, making the survival of the new swarm difficult.
Removing queen cells helps maintain the stability and productivity of the bee colony and is thus one of the most important tasks in beekeeping.
WHY IS WATER CONTENT IN HONEY IMPORTANT?
After the bees have filled the honey chambers within six to eight weeks, the honey is left in the hive for about two weeks before harvesting. During this time, the bees reduce the water content in the honey by increasing air circulation in the hive with their wings. A water content below 20% is crucial to prevent fermentation. Honey with over 20% water content cannot be sold. If the water content is 18% or below, the honey can be labeled as 'genuine' German honey.
Our bee colonies have been particularly productive this spring. When we extracted the first honey of the season last weekend, we were surprised and proud to have already harvested 75 kilograms of honey.
However, the honey is not ready for consumption yet; it needs to stand for about two weeks and be stirred twice a day to ensure high quality.
A PERSONAL THANK YOU
Thanks to the BLOCK Bee Club, I have the opportunity to manage a bee colony even without a personal garden. It’s especially delightful that Bee Club members are allowed to set up and care for their own bee colonies at our second site. I hope to establish my own bee colonies in the future.
