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Issue No. 107

September 2025

Roundup

The first sale days at our Scotland branch were a great success, and as you are reading this, we will be be wrapping up our sale day at our Windsor branch. If you missed yesterday at Windsor, do not worry, you still have Monday 8th to Wednesday 10th to shop sale items in store. As usual, a massive thank you to our customers and the Thorne teams at both Newburgh and Windsor.

The rest of September will see Stockbridge and Devon sales. In addition to the Saturday you will also be able to shop on the following Monday to Wednesday at each branch.

The final event will be at our Head Office in Lincolnshire, on Saturday 11th October. This includes sale items and third quality hive parts (cannot be order in advanced), but also factory tours, beekeeping talks with Tony Jefferson, and refreshments in our café. We will also have a dedicated area for beginners. It is worth getting the date in your diary. You can shop for collection right now by clicking the button below.

SHOP SALE

Looking ahead, next month brings the National Honey Show, and we would be happy to collect and return your show entries if they are dropped off at one of our branches (except Newburgh).

Equipment Focus

Thymol Crystals

Thymol crystals are often used in beekeeping as a natural additive in sugar syrup for several reasons:

Prevents fermentation & mould

- Sugar syrup can spoil quickly, especially in warm weather.
- Thymol has antifungal and antibacterial properties, which help keep the syrup fresh for longer.

Discourages Nosema and other gut issues

- Nosema is a common disease in honey bees caused by microsporidian parasites.
- Thymol in syrup has been shown to reduce Nosema spore levels, supporting bee gut health.

Controls Varroa mites (indirectly)

- While thymol in syrup is not as strong as vapour or gel treatments, regular use can create a less favourable environment for varroa reproduction and survival.
- Beekeepers sometimes combine thymol syrup feeding with other integrated pest management strategies.

Repels wax moths and other pests

- Residual thymol vapour in the hive helps deter pests that might otherwise damage comb or stores.

SHOP THYMOL CRYSTALS

100g: £17.50 500g: £42.00

Important Notes
- Dosage matters: Too much thymol can make bees refuse the syrup or even harm them. A common method is dissolving a few grams of thymol crystals in food-grade alcohol, then adding a measured amount of this stock solution into the syrup.
- Temperature sensitivity: Thymol is volatile, so it works best when hives are warm enough for vapour release (usually late summer or autumn feeding).
- Not a substitute for treatments: Thymol syrup helps hive health but doesn’t replace approved varroa treatments.

Special Offer

TRAP-X®

Sightings of the Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet have been recorded all over the south of the UK, but just last week there was a recorded sighting in North Yorkshire. Early detection is essential to protect colonies and prevent establishment.

We are offering 10% off all TRAP-X® products for the rest of September. Use discount code TRAPXSOUTH at basket stage on our website.

SHOP TRAP-X®

The Bait Pod™ is another product from Apitura - an insect bait container created to deliver liquid attractant efficiently while minimising environmental impact. It is designed to support the monitoring or trapping of invasive species, and can be used alone or inside the TRAP-X®.

SHOP BAIT POD™

We are offering 10% off all TRAP-X® products for the rest of September. Use discount code TRAPXSOUTH at basket stage on our website.

Formic Pro - 2 & 10 Dose

Formic Pro is a highly effective treatment for controlling Varroa mites in honey bee colonies. It is made with formic acid, a naturally occurring substance, and is known for its ability to penetrate the brood cells, targeting mites where they reproduce. Right now, we're offering 15% off Formic Pro 2 and 10 doses.

SHOP FORMIC PRO

Api-Bioxal - 350g

Api-Bioxal powder is highly effective against phoretic varroa mites. Studies on the mode of action of oxalic acid have indicated that its low pH is a major contributor to the acaricidal effect. Api-Bioxal powder is applicable by vaporisation or by trickling. Read the package leaflet carefully before use.

We currently have 12.5% off the 350g packets.

SHOP API-BIOXAL POWDER

Ask the Expert

Producing Heather Honey - Part Two

by Tony Jefferson

Pure Ling Heather will not granulate for some considerable time, unlike other honey, but even as trace amount of other honey will ‘seed’ it which will make it granulate prematurely.

One major disadvantage Ling Heather does have higher water content than other honey – so is more liable to ferment. To reduce this risk, any stored honey must come from combs that were fully capped. If you do have some unsealed honey, make sure it is used rapidly and not stored, or make some mead.

When the bees are on the moor it is essential to have plenty of drawn out combs to maximise the heather crop. Do not expect a bumper crop each year, a typical 5 year cycle is:- reasonable crop/none at all/bumper crop/good/poor, but in which order is a bit of a lottery.

Ling Heather

There is another advantage to getting wax drawn in the spring build up, in that the wax builders if occupied in their tasks can help to reduce the tendency to swarm early.

Let us assume the bees were taken to the moor early August and the weather has been kind and the heather is lasting well.

There is always the temptation to add more supers if the weather is looking favourable, but caution is certainly required as this can be counterproductive. As heather honey contains higher moisture content than flower honey it can ferment easier if stored in the unripe condition. Therefore it is far better to get 1 or 2 fully capped supers than 3 or 4 that are only partially capped.

To maximise the crop, move the sealed frames to the outside and locate unsealed to the middle. This action encourages the bees to continue working in a pyramid structure.

At this stage and if the weather remains fine, then a few sealed frames may be removed and more unsealed frames can be added in the centre, this action is better than adding an empty super.

Prolonged poor cold and/or wet weather can occur whilst on the moor and starvation can arise very quickly. If weather has been poor then check them for remaining food stores. The large hives are the most vulnerable due to the food demand, they can starve to death in a matter of a couple of days, feeding on the moor is not unheard of.

CONTINUE READING...

READ PART ONE

August

August has been another busy month here at Thorne HQ. There are always lots of jobs this time of year because it is a crucial time for winter preparation.

We've continued our queen sales this month, hopefully helping beekeepers to re-establish strong colonies to go into the autumn with. In terms of our own queens, we've been checking that all our colonies remain queen-right – we really don’t want that sinking feeling of discovering a queen-less hive this late in the season!

We've also applied Apiguard to our colonies. Varroa can get out of hand at this time of year if not dealt with, so we want to ensure the bees head into autumn in good health. During our inspections, we've also been cleaning the tops of the frames – it's amazing how much wax can accumulate when the weather is good.

Some of our stronger colonies have received pollen patties to support continued brood rearing as we move towards autumn. We've also been working with a couple of nucs that needed a boost – moving them into full-sized boxes and testing out feeding them using syrup-in-a-bag to encourage them to draw out new frames.

As always at this time of year, we're dealing with a large wasp presence. This year they seem especially prevalent. We've reduced our entrance blocks and are being extra cautious when moving nucs into larger equipment – the last thing we want is to stress a developing colony when wasps can take complete advantage of their lack in numbers and ability to defend themselves.

We're also re-organising our apiary layout, changing from blocks of four to crescents of four hives. This should make maintenance more manageable and help to improve our workflow during inspections.

With queen excluders now removed from most hives, we've noticed an increase in brace comb. Whilst slightly annoying, it is also beautiful! And very nice to see that our bees have been incredibly productive – frames are also being in-filled with honey of varying colors, reflecting the diverse nectar flows we've had this season.

As we head into September, we'll continue to keep a close eye on wasps whilst also monitoring for stores. We’ll be fully in wind down season so there will still be plenty to do!

Roger Patterson reflecting on over 60 years in the craft.

WATCH VIDEO

The final lecture video release from the 2024 lecture series was Roger Patterson’s reflections on over 60 years in the craft. Roger is a practical beekeeper who started keeping bees in his native West Sussex in 1963. He has learnt a lot by observing bees and beekeepers in a wide variety of locations, which has helped him to develop his simple management system and to question what he is told. Rather than a ramble by an old man on what happened 60 years ago, he takes a look at how the craft arrived at the position it is in today and how we need to respond to opportunities when they arise.

In addition to the lecture itself, during last year’s show Roger had a chat with Martin Guirfa about things to look forward to during the 2024 show, which you can see by clicking the button below.

WATCH VIDEO

Have you tried the National Honey Show‘s new online system for logging your show entries yet? The show is fast approaching and the DEADLINE IS TOMORROW, MONDAY 8th September 2025 for early entries that have to be sent away for judging: classes 141-156 inclusive, 415-416 and 418, i.e. essays, videos, microscope slides and photographs. DO NOT SEND ENTRIES at this stage, you will be sent instructions for submitting the actual entries. Clear entry booking instructions are on the website. NB Be patient, checking out can take a few moments. The deadline for all other entries is 6th October 2025. All the details for delivering and staging are in the Schedule, available on our website.

HONEY SHOW WEBSITE

SHOW SCHEDULE

This year in the first floor Solario Suite, Bee Craft are presenting a series of interesting lectures from young UK bee researchers on the Friday of the show:

10:00 Automated monitoring of foraging behaviours and the related colony disorders by

Chloe Davis, Nottingham Trent University

11:30 From accountant to bee farmer and bottling half-a-million jars a year

By Matthew Ingram, Holt Hall Apiary

14:00 An engineering perspective on the power of propolis: The UK’s largest citizen science study of propolis variation by region, 2025 findings by Jenny Roberts, Lancaster University

15:30 Assessing the impacts of Nosema ceranae on the gut microbiome of the western honey bee (Apis mellifera)by Michael Bennett BSc MSc, University of Reading

For more information see the lecture programme

LECTURE PROGRAMME

Teams from BKAs particularly around Surrey and the Kent and Sussex coasts are stressing vigilance for Yellow Legged Hornet (YLH) sightings. The week of 1st - 7th September 2025 was Yellow Legged Asian Hornet week. Read more on the BBKA website; and more about information on the YLH at this year’s National Honey Show on our news page.

You are welcome to join us, and in fact are essential, to making the show a success. Volunteering for stewarding at the show is rewarding, and we welcome you as part of the team. If you can spare half a day, or even a couple of hours do contact Bridget: steward@honeyshow.co.uk

We’ll be publishing a roundup video of 2024 show events on the National Honey Show YouTube channel shortly, and you’ll be able to tune in for 2025 show videos broadcasted live during this year’s show at intervals through each day including 8.30am, 11am, 2.30pm and 4pm. There’s a five minute lead in for you to get comfortable with a cuppa before we start, and of course you can skip that intro when revisiting the videos later.

NATIONAL HONEY SHOW YOUTUBE CHANNEL

We look forward to seeing you at this year’s show:

National Honey Show Thursday 23rd to Saturday 25th October 2025 at Sandown Park Racecourse, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9RT, UK.

Abergavenny Food Festival – 20-21 September

Join Bees for Development at Abergavenny Food Festival! Come and celebrate all things food, community, and nature at this year’s Abergavenny Food Festival on 20 & 21 September. With a Stroller Ticket, you’ll gain access to six vibrant venues in the heart of town, featuring 200+ top-quality exhibitors, chef demonstrations, talks, debates, family entertainment, and live music.

Find Bees for Development in the Castle Grounds and meet the team.

Catch us on the Local and Vocal stage on Saturday 20 September at 1.30pm, where Bees for Development will talk about their award-winning RHS Chelsea Balcony Garden, their Pollinate Change programme, and how community lies at the heart of everything they do.

From solitary bee identification and wildflower meadows in Wales to beekeeping in Amhara, discover how supporting bees means supporting people and planet.

For more information and to book your tickets, click HERE.

Apimondia 2025 - A Social Congress – 23-27 September

The 49th APIMONDIA Congress will be held in Copenhagen from 23-27 September and is jointly organised by beekeeper associations in Sweden, Norway and Denmark: Sveriges Biodlares Riksförbund, Norges Birøkterlag and Danmarks Biavlerforening.

This is a congress for the bees, beekeepers, scientists, the industry and for the people from all over the world who care about bees, honey and beekeeping.

“There are so many things dividing us people in the world today - and there are so few precious things bringing us together. Beekeeping and our common love for the bees and their world is one of them. It is so important for us to create a space in Copenhagen where people can meet and create bonds and friendships for life.”

For more information, visit the Apimondia 2025 website HERE. The full programme, including talks by the Bees for Development team, can be found HERE.

Bees for Development Blog: Introduction to Rosa Vásquez Espinoza

Rosa Vásquez Espinoza is a Peruvian Ph.D. scientist with Amazonian-Andean Indigenous roots, conservationist, and National Geographic Explorer whose work bridges cutting-edge science with ancestral knowledge.

Founder of Amazon Research Internacional (ARI), she leads efforts to protect stingless bees, key pollinators of the Amazon Rainforest, while empowering Indigenous women and youth as conservation and science leaders. Her projects blend biodiversity research, ecological restoration, policy advocacy, and sustainable livelihoods, resulting in Peru’s first national law to protect stingless bees. Read the full blog story HERE.

© Photo copyright of Ana Elisa Sotelo for National Geographict

Learn more about Bees for Development at www.beesfordevelopment.org

Book Review

Pollen Microscopy

by Norman Chapman

"Unlock the hidden world of pollen — a beautifully illustrated guide blending science, art, and beekeeping insight, perfect for microscopists, naturalists, and curious minds alike."

Northern Bee Books, third edition 2015

Paperback

266 pages

£30

BUY HERE

Reviewed by Ann Chilcott

Scottish Expert Beemaster and author of The Bee Listener

Pollen Microscopy by author, beekeeper and microscopist Norman Chapman is different from other books of its kind in several ways. These include the clarity and concise style of writing, detailed drawings of over a hundred different pollen grains, and the addition of many well-taken and beautiful photographs of the pollen-producing plants represented in this edition. Each example of pollen comes with brief descriptions of key features such as pollen grain surface, shape, size and furrow numbers. The front and back covers are attractive and the simple title is appealing.

Chapman was a highly respected and active member of the dynamic Quekett Microspial Club founded in 1865, and the second oldest club in the world dedicated to microscopy and its advancement. He writes with authority and experience sharing many facets of this absorbing hobby including; essential information on pollen structure, collection of pollen, preparing and preserving pollen slides, using a microscope and the purpose of a condenser, connecting a camera to the microscope, and extracting pollen from honey using a centrifuge.

Chapman doesn’t pretend that identifying pollen is easy but he provides useful tips on identifying the more difficult pollens, and his large drawings provide good references for someone trying to find out the source of a pollen sample. The description of the unique bay tree pollen with its jelly like layer below the exine is so vivid it led me right away to the index at the back to check out the drawing.

This book has been printed on fine quality paper giving it a nice feel to the fingers and a touch of class. The photographs and drawings have been reproduced with clarity and precision and this edition is good value for money.

The author has achieved his aims of writing for a wide readership and sharing his passion for pollen microscopy. Not only will this attractive book be useful to beekeepers and students of beekeeping theory, but; botanists, gardeners, microscopists, naturalists, school students and the general public will learn something interesting and helpful inside its pages. It will also make an appealing coffee table book and an ideal gift.