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Would you trim the nettles

PostPosted:13 May 2019, 17:07
by Chrisbarlow
This is an out apiary I popped to on Sunday. All the colonies there are like this.

Big question is . .. Would you trim?


https://ibb.co/x2CK60R

Re: Would you trim the nettles

PostPosted:13 May 2019, 17:30
by Jim Norfolk
Yes or those brambles will cover the hive and you won't be able to find it. You may also find the hive gets a bit damp.

Re: Would you trim the nettles

PostPosted:14 May 2019, 16:52
by Chrisbarlow
Yeah, the brambles might be a problem otherwise, the brambles used to be in the hedge 3ft away from the hive

Re: Would you trim the nettles

PostPosted:15 May 2019, 11:38
by AdamD
I would ensure that I have easy access. I have used glyphosate around hives with no problems.

Re: Would you trim the nettles

PostPosted:15 May 2019, 13:09
by Chrisbarlow
I think that might be the solution Adam.

Re: Would you trim the nettles

PostPosted:15 May 2019, 16:45
by NigelP
I strim and tidy all my apiary sites... Thinking of setting up new hive stands on weed suppressing membrane to save "strimming" the stand legs..
This might change when Asian Hornet becomes a problem in our area.

Re: Would you trim the nettles

PostPosted:27 May 2019, 11:38
by Chrisbarlow
I didn't trim anything in the end but having just come back from checking in the bees there can honestly say the nettles have shot up more than anything with the brambles looking like the cavalry following up strongly from the rear. I'm gonna have to cut something with serious gusto.

Re: Would you trim the nettles

PostPosted:31 May 2019, 10:01
by DianeBees
I had nettles next to my hives in the previous apiary spot on the allotment. They hurt more than bee stings so they had to go.

Re: Would you trim the nettles

PostPosted:09 Jun 2019, 21:53
by WalnutTreeBees
AdamD wrote:
15 May 2019, 11:38
I would ensure that I have easy access. I have used glyphosate around hives with no problems.
This article might be of interest:

https://bee-effect.co.za/new-research-bayer-monsanto-roundup-a-deadly-toxin-for-bees-and-man/

The gist of it is that glyphosate impairs royal jelly production and also damages the bees (and our own!) gut flora, which in turn leads declining health and resistance to disease.

Re: Would you trim the nettles

PostPosted:10 Jun 2019, 15:43
by NigelP
Which is telling you that it's not good to drink the stuff...best spray onto problem weeds instead ;)