Seasonal Management of Beehives
Beekeeping Tip for December
With long days of daylight the Queen's egg production is at a peak, maintaining a large brood nest, resulting in growing bee numbers.
There is a decreased likelihood of bees raising queen cells in preparation of swarming.
Inspect hives at regular intervals, for health issues and queen cells, collecting honey surplus if available.
Beetle traps need to be checked and oil/diamataceous earth refreshed as there is likely an increased number of small hive beetle during this season.
If required, provide more space for the bees by stacking a super on your Langstroth hives or Nadire a box under your Warre.
Warm weather and an abundance of nectar and pollen are good conditions for raising new colonies. Caution: In the Shoalhaven there is often reduced honeyflow in Nov/Dec.
The full Seasonal hive_management_calendar can be found here.
There is a decreased likelihood of bees raising queen cells in preparation of swarming.
Inspect hives at regular intervals, for health issues and queen cells, collecting honey surplus if available.
Beetle traps need to be checked and oil/diamataceous earth refreshed as there is likely an increased number of small hive beetle during this season.
If required, provide more space for the bees by stacking a super on your Langstroth hives or Nadire a box under your Warre.
Warm weather and an abundance of nectar and pollen are good conditions for raising new colonies. Caution: In the Shoalhaven there is often reduced honeyflow in Nov/Dec.
The full Seasonal hive_management_calendar can be found here.
