Winter

Winter Management

December | January

Signs of the Season

  • Daytime temperatures below 50°F.

  • No nectar or pollen sources.

  • Significant rainfall in many areas.

Activity in the Hive

  • No brood or only hand-sized patches.

  • Hive population declines to 10 frames of bees.

  • Cluster activity starts when temps are below 50°F.

  • Little flight activity when temps are below 50°F.

  • Queen awaits the first pollen and nectar flows to start laying.

Beekeeper’s Checklist

  • [ ] Perform quick inspection when temps are above 60°F.

  • [ ] Check honey stores – at least 30 pounds per hive remaining.

  • [ ] Feed winter pollen patties or fondant sugar candy in hive if inadequate honey stores.

  • [ ] Check pollen stores – consider open-feeding pollen substitute.

  • [ ] Check empty comb stores and apply additional “para-moth.”

  • [ ] Clean and repair stored equipment for spring use.

  • [ ] Order bees and queens if necessary.

  • [ ] Read and learn from beekeeping publications.

Potential Problems

  • High varroa counts – treat before honey flow starts.

  • Queenless hives – requeen or combine with a strong hive.

  • Tracheal mites and Nosema present but not visible .

Decisions / Considerations

  • How many hives do I want to have when summer begins?

  • Do I have enough equipment ready to split my hives in spring?

  • What treament(s) will I use for varroa control this year?

  • Do I have my queen-rearing equipment ready?

  • Where will I buy bees and/or queens if I need them?

  • Will I become a Master Beekeeper this year?

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Autumn Preparations