1st Year Hive Tasks

By: Ann Harman

This article originally appeared in the Winter 2018 issue of BEEKeeping Your First Three Years

• The bee year is winding down – Winter is approaching.

• October First – the day to install mouse guards

• Queens decrease egg laying – brood diminishes.

• Use broodless period for Varroa intervention until day temperatures lower below 57° F.

• Bees start their cluster at 57° F.

• Keep small hive beetle under control until weather becomes cold.

• If you are in bear country, make certain bear fence is working. Bears need to fatten up before hibernation. They are looking for brood.

• Bees need adequate Winter stores: Warm climate 40 pounds; Temperate climate 60 pounds ; Cold climate 90 pounds

• Frames of stored honey can be moved if colonies are disease-free. Look carefully – do not move the queen.

• If feeding is necessary, mix two or better three parts white granulated sugar (or slightly less) to one part water.

• Do not feed liquid syrup when temperatures are below 67° F.

• Do not leave queen excluders on the hives. Clean them on a cold day when wax will snap off.

• When cleaning queen excluders inspect for any damage and discard. Queens find bent rods and torn plastic.

• Inspect all equipment for damage. Set aside for repair – or – fix it now!

• Inspect stored comb for damage, excessive drone comb, pieces of cross comb

• Protect all stored equipment, including plastic queen excluders, from mice

• To kill wax moth eggs, woodenware and brood combs can be placed in plastic bags and frozen for a week. Leave in plastic bags and protect from mice.

• Clean up the beeyard (and find that lost hive tool). Do not leave pieces of equipment lying around.

• Clear weeds from hive entrances so bees can take cleansing flights.

• Wash all bee clothing – veils, jackets, coveralls, gloves. Replace household gloves with new ones.

• Clean up the smoker and make sure it is free of ashes under the grid.

• Check hives once a month to see if food stores are adequate. Do not break the cluster!

• The holiday season is coming – use honey in cooking!

• It’s a good time to read bee magazines and books.

• Santa is waiting for your list of equipment and books so he can load his sleigh!