Seasonal Guide To Beekeeping
December, January & February
Monitor hive entrance for build up of dead bees and blockage. Wedge up the back of the hive to ensure the floor slopes gently forwards. Ensure the roof is secure; bricks, blocks and/or a strap will do the job. Gently heft (lift) the hive to check food weight, if light put block of Candy over the feedhole, a shallow eke may be needed. Record your observations for each Hive in a book each time you visit this is more reliable than a memory!
Essential Equipment
- Protective Clothing, Smoker, Hive Tools.
- Record Book.
- Ply, foam, Drawing pins etc.
- Straps, Bricks, wedge.
- Candy in tubs or blocks, Shallow Eke to allow candy block over Crown Board.
March
Pay close attention to weight of the hive if the weather is warming up the colony should be growing quickly and food consumption will increase considerably, replace Candy block if consumed. Give your bees a boost will Pollen paste such as Candipolline or Apipasta plus. Ensure your floor tray is sterilised or replaced
Essential Equipment
April
The colony should be growing very quickly now so food supply will need to be maintained if the hive is light. Feed if required with half strength Syrup. Later remove the Feeder and put on a Queen Excluder and a Super(s) if required to give space for the growing numbers. Remove the mouse guard. Be vigilant Swarming can begin in late April! Consider one or more 'Bait hives' in the Apiary to catch Swarms.
Essential Equipment
May
Begin thorough and regular inspections of the Brood box. Work old comb to the outside so that it can be removed and replaced. Old comb harbours disease and should be replaced systematically as good practice. Aim to change 35% to 75% per annum. If necessary remove outside frames clogged with food. These can be given back in the Autumn after storing in the freezer.
Ensure enough food and Pollen remains in the brood Chamber. Place new frames and Foundation either side of the brood nest to allow the Queen to increase her nest size. Congestion can cause swarming. Additional Supers may now be required. Keep checking for swarm cells. Add frames & new boxes as needed. By the end of the month you may consider splitting your colony. Add one or more 'Bait hives' in the Apiary to catch Swarms.
Essential Equipment
June
Continue to examine (and if possible exchange) Brood Frames for any signs of disease or swarming. Bee Disease identification cards are helpful. The brood should be able to occupy most of the Brood Chamber this month. Swarming will continue through June so you will have to continue to be vigilant. You may be able to take off some frames of capped Honey or even complete Supers, ensure you have empty Frames or Supers to replace those taken.
Essential Equipment
- Protective Clothing, Smoker, Hive Tools. Record Book.
- New Brood Frames and Foundation.
- Spare Supers with Frames and Foundation.
- Bee Escapes for clearing Supers.
- Bee Brush.
July & August
Swarming should be over by early July allowing the Colony and you to concentrate on collecting Nectar. The Honey for harvesting and the Queen Excluder should be taken off in early August allowing the bees to collect what little remains for themselves and start treating your colonies for varroa. Early August insert Entrance block to reduce entrances so the diminishing colony can defend against Wasps.
Essential Equipment
- Protective Clothing, Smoker, Hive Tools.
- Record Book.
- Spare Supers with Frames and Foundation.
- Bee Escapes for clearing Supers.
- Bee Brush.
- Varroa treatment.
- Entrance Blocks.
- Wasp traps.
- Feed.
September
It is time now to feed the colony for the winter replacing the Honey taken. colony will need at least 15Kg of Syrup to make it through the cold months ahead. Feeding needs to be completed before the end of the month allowing the colony to process off the excess water. Fit a mouse guard to the entrance.
Essential Equipment
October, November & December
With all the required syrup now in the brood chamber all should be well for winter. Fit a mouse guard to the entrance if not done already. Strap and or weigh down the roof against winter wind. Monitor the now small entrance regularly for the build up of dead bees. Bees are dying all the time and just a few can block the entrance leaving the others unable to get out.
Keep a regular check for Woodpecker damage or rain getting in. Be aware that deer or other animals could knock the hive over rubbing against to satisfy an itch. Feeding should not be required yet but keep an emergency block of Candy with you just in case, Most of the colonies that die out are due to starvation. Most important remember bees are Livestock and we have a duty to look after them as best we can.
Essential Equipment
- Protective Clothing, Smoker, Hive Tools.
- Record Book.
- Blocks or bricks.
- Straps.
- Mouse guards.
- Ply, foam, Drawing pins etc. Straps, Bricks, wedge.
- Candy in tubs or blocks.
- Books, Videos and magazines.
Free Moments
Read as many Bee books, Magazines and watch as many Video's as you can get your hands on. The more you learn the easier and more rewarding Beekeeping becomes. It is a privilege to keep Bees; enjoy every minute!