Beekeeping in SW Michigan, newbee questions.

[BeesNeeds]

I don't have a mentor yet for when I finally get to move and set up hives. Starting to look like it might be spring of 2012 instead of spring of 2011 right now. So I probably have plenty of time to ask questions and find a mentor. But till I find one, questions here :)

I'm going to be in the deep SW corner of Mi. Berrien, Van Buren, and Cass border area. I've been noticing that there's a whole bunch of things that plague bees. What do I have to watch out for in the location I'm moving to? I mean this as what pests are more, well pesty? What will I be most likely to need to treat my bees for? Will I have to be extra careful with winterizing since I will be in the lake effect area?
And can someone recommend a mentor or a bee club down in that area?

Thanks for any information that folks can give :)

-  :bee: -

[rgy]

I'm in Saugatuck and there is the Holland area beekeepers association.  Meets once a month at varying locations.  google holland beekeepers and you should find the site.  we are new this year with two hives going into winter.

[Jim134]

Michigan


Beekeeping Association in Michigan:
http://www.michiganbees.org/links/

OAKLAND BEE CLUB
Sue Yates
705 Coolidge
Birmingham, MI 48009
Phone: 248-649-5078
Email: ilonayates@yahoo.com

SCHOOLCRAFT BKPRS ASSOC
Roger southerland
5488 Warren Rd
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Phone: 734-668-8568
Email: rsuther@hotmail.com

SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN BEE ASSOC
Roger southerland
5488 Warren Rd
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Phone: 734-668-8568
Email: rsuther@hotmail.com



     BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)

[Scadsobees]

Hi!
The Holland Beeks are probably a bit of a drive, but I googled southwest michigan beekeeping clubs, and came up with this one, a little closer I think
http://www.michiganbeekeepers.com/
There may be others at http://www.michiganbees.org/about/clubs/

Things to watch out for?  I think pretty much the same all over.  Winter, mites, CCD, foulbrood....SHB a bit but not a huge issues, wax moths, etc.  Most all of them are treatable to some degree, and maintaining a few hives I think is a bit better than lots of them.  Most of them just involve a little common sense and they won't be a problem.

Wintering?  Not a big deal, we're actually a bit more moderate than some of the midwest, even if we get more snow.  I've tried everything from wrapping to nothing, and I'm going with the second this year.  Mice can be a problem though...

Rick

[BeesNeeds]

Thanks for all the information folks :)

I never even though about mice :( Glad to know the snow isn't worth a lot of worry, lol.

I'll have to check out the clubs, thanks again :)

-  :bee: -