summer inspection of 2023 swarms

This spring 3 swarms selected one of my 4 swarm traps as their nest cavity. During summer heat, I waited for a cool dawn to inspect these swarms now moved into 8-frame hives. That cool morning arrived with 69 °F (20.6 °C) temperatures.  

As usual, the preparation was longer than the actual inspection task that included lighting the smoker -- just in case 😉.  I even remembered to take out the SuperDFM probiotic from the refrigerator.  

The bees did not take flight or behave defensively - the smoker was not used.  

I added one tablespoon (15 ml) of probiotic to the top bars and workers moved to gather this sweet treat - sucrose is the primary ingredient. The first iPhone photo has the best color balance and shows dramatic red propolis on the top bars. The last 2 photos required correction as the brilliant white probiotic screwed up the iPhone color balance.

Vera and Slava (makers of SuperDFM) write, "Multiple bacteria are present in all nectars, pollens, propolis and the environment. Honey bees need these bacteria to aid not only in digestion, but also to improve immune response and combating stressors detrimental to their health." 

ChatGPT generated haiku 

Summer hive's embrace,
Dearth shadows, health blooms within,
Immune strength sustains.