The bee yards are heating up and the Leatherstocking Beekeepers’ Association is here to discuss. Join fellow local beekeepers to discuss upcoming activities for June, share stories from your apiary and get questions answered.

We will have 3 educational presentations at this months meeting. We will return to the swarm season with Julia Hernandez presenting on “The World’s Easiest Swarm Traps.” No ladder or tarp necessary.

That will be followed by Richard Burroughs (LBA Treasurer) presentation on “Varroa Tests and Treatments.” The Varroa mite is one of the leading causes of poor honey bee health and managing the bees to reduce their number is one of the most important tasks for a beekeeper. Learn how to get a jump on it ahead of the summer boom.

And finally, did your hives make it through winter and now are overcrowded? Are you worried about swarming? Do you want to expand the apiary or replace winter losses? Learn how easy it is in the presentation “Splits” with Steve Davis (Mentoring Coordinator).

A business meeting will follow the lectures. All are invited to attend.

The LBA was donated several medium supers, each with 9 frames. We do not recommend using old equipment. These are available for no charge and at your own risk. The frames do contain old and most likely unusable foundation and comb.

Also, we are currently seeking beekeepers to sign up to be included on the LBA Swarm and/or Cut-Out list. The information will be posted for public access to our website. If interested, please contact Steve Davis at paperclip5@hotmail.com under the subject line Swarm Catcher. E-mails should include name, town, phone number, best e-mail to reach you at, and whether you do cut-outs or swarms only.

The Leatherstocking Beekeepers’ Association will meet May 23 at 7 p.m. at The Farmers’ Museum, 5775 State Highway 80, Cooperstown.

We will Bee seeing you there!