The day commenced under a shroud of dark overcast skies and even treated us to a brief spell of rain around midday. This changing weather prompted us to pay close attention to our bee hives, as we noticed that they were starting to consume a substantial amount of stores in the brood nest. In response, we conducted a swift inspection at one of our sites, home to 26 hives.

Upon closer examination, we were greeted by a thriving population of worker bees, with the drones having already been expelled from the colonies and brood rearing at its lowest point, if not diminishing altogether. As the nights grow longer and temperatures continue to drop, it's evident that the bees are gearing up for their winter dormancy.

It's worth noting that all our colonies appeared to be in good spirits, although we couldn't help but observe that foraging opportunities were rather scarce. Fortunately, we've managed to maintain a low mite population, bolstering the colonies' resilience as they prepare to face the challenges of the winter season.

With the Autumn treatment process now completed for these colonies, we have transitioned into the vital phase of feeding to fortify their stores in preparation for the approaching winter. This nurturing and provision of sustenance will ensure their strength and vitality during the colder months ahead, thus setting the stage for a successful overwintering period.