Top 10 Beekeeping tasks for Beekeepers in April

1: Inspect hives for brood, food stores, and pest/disease management

Inspecting hives is an essential part of beekeeping, and it is crucial to do it regularly to ensure the health and wellbeing of your colonies. One of the most important tasks during a hive inspection is checking for brood foundation, food stores, and pests or diseases.

Brood refers to the eggs, larvae, and pupae that are developing inside the hive. It is essential to check for brood during an inspection to ensure that the queen is laying eggs and that the colony is growing as expected. A healthy colony should have a good brood pattern, which means that the brood should be evenly spaced, and there should be a consistent number of eggs, larvae, and pupae.

Checking the food stores in a hive is also essential. Bees require a steady supply of food to survive, and during the colder months, when there is little or no nectar flow, they rely on stored honey and pollen. Inspecting the food stores will give you an idea of whether the colony has enough food to sustain them until the next nectar flow.

Pest and disease management is another critical aspect of hive inspections. Pests like Varroa mites and diseases like American Foulbrood can wreak havoc on a colony if left unchecked. Inspecting hives regularly will help you identify any issues early on, allowing you to take prompt action to prevent them from spreading.

In conclusion, regular inspections of hives are crucial to the success of a beekeeping operation. By checking for brood, food stores, and pests/diseases, you can ensure that your colonies are healthy and thriving, which ultimately leads to a successful and rewarding beekeeping experience.

 

2: Monitor colony health and treat for Varroa mites and other pests

Monitoring colony health and treating for pests and diseases is essential in beekeeping. One of the most common pests that beekeepers have to deal with is the Varroa mite. These tiny parasites attach themselves to bees and feed on their hemolymph, weakening the bees and spreading diseases.

It is important to monitor your colonies regularly to check for signs of Varroa mites. One way to do this is by performing a sticky board test, which involves placing a sticky board beneath the hive for a period of time and then counting the number of mites that have fallen onto it. If you find that your colony has a high number of mites, it is important to take prompt action to prevent them from spreading and causing further damage.

Apiguard is a popular treatment for Varroa mite infestations in honey bee colonies. It is a natural product that contains thymol, a compound extracted from thyme plants that has been shown to be effective in controlling Varroa mites.

The treatment involves placing Apiguard gel packs in the hive for a period of two to four weeks. The gel releases thymol vapors that disrupt the mites' reproductive cycle, reducing their population in the hive.

One of the advantages of Apiguard is that it is a natural product, which means that it does not leave harmful residues in the hive or in the honey produced by the bees. It is also easy to apply and does not require any special equipment or training.

However, it is important to note that Apiguard should be used in conjunction with other Varroa mite control methods, such as regular monitoring of mite levels and hive hygiene practices. In addition, it is recommended to rotate different Varroa mite treatments to prevent the mites from developing resistance to the thymol in Apiguard.

Overall, Apiguard is a safe and effective treatment for Varroa mite infestations in honey bee colonies. It is an important tool in the fight against this common and destructive pest, and can help beekeepers maintain healthy and productive hives.

3: Check and replace damaged or old frames and comb

Checking and replacing damaged or old frames and comb is an essential task in beekeeping. Frames and comb provide the structure for the hive and serve as the foundation for the colony's activities such as brood rearing, storing honey, and pollen collection.

Over time, frames and comb can become damaged, worn out, or contaminated with pests and diseases. It is important to regularly inspect the frames and comb to ensure that they are in good condition and free from damage.

Damaged frames and comb can lead to a variety of issues, including poor brood development, honeycomb contamination, and even colony collapse. When inspecting frames and comb, it is important to look for signs of damage such as cracks, holes, or warping. Additionally, comb should be checked for signs of contamination, such as wax moth damage or fungal growth.

If damaged or contaminated frames and comb are identified, it is important to replace them as soon as possible. Replacing frames and comb can help to prevent the spread of pests and diseases and maintain the structural integrity of the hive.

In conclusion, checking and replacing damaged or old frames and comb is an important task in beekeeping. Regular inspections can help to prevent issues and ensure that your colonies remain healthy and productive. By staying vigilant and taking action when necessary, beekeepers can help to maintain thriving colonies and ensure a successful beekeeping experience.

4: Super and queen management (adding or removing boxes)

Super and queen management is a critical aspect of beekeeping, as it involves ensuring that the colony has enough space to grow and thrive. Adding or removing boxes from the hive is an important part of this process.

When a colony outgrows its current space, adding a new box, or "super," is necessary. Supers provide additional space for the bees to store honey and pollen, and for the queen to lay eggs. Adding supers in a timely manner can help to prevent overcrowding and swarming, which can be detrimental to the colony's health and productivity.

On the other hand, removing boxes is necessary when the colony has more space than it needs. Too much space can make it difficult for the bees to regulate the temperature and humidity of the hive, leading to reduced brood production and honey yields. Additionally, unused space can attract pests and diseases, which can be harmful to the colony.

Queen management is another critical aspect of beekeeping. The queen is the most important member of the colony, and her health and productivity are essential to the success of the hive. Regular inspections of the colony can help to ensure that the queen is healthy and laying eggs at the expected rate. If the queen is not performing well, it may be necessary to re-queen the colony.

In conclusion, super and queen management is a critical part of beekeeping. By regularly adding or removing boxes and monitoring the health and productivity of the queen, beekeepers can help to maintain healthy and productive colonies, ensuring a successful and rewarding beekeeping experience.

5: Swarm prevention and management

Swarming is a natural process that occurs when a colony becomes too large for its current space and the queen bee leaves with a portion of the colony to form a new hive. While swarming is a normal part of the honey bee life cycle, it can be detrimental to the health and productivity of the colony, as well as posing a nuisance to nearby residents.

Swarm prevention and management are essential aspects of beekeeping, as they help to prevent swarming and ensure the continued health and productivity of the colony.

One of the most effective ways to prevent swarming is by regularly inspecting the colony and providing enough space for the bees to store honey and pollen. Adding supers in a timely manner and removing excess honey can help to prevent overcrowding and reduce the likelihood of swarming.

If a colony does begin to swarm, it is important to take prompt action to manage the swarm. This may involve capturing the swarm and relocating it to a new hive or providing a new queen to the original hive. Failing to manage a swarm can result in the loss of valuable honeybees and potential conflicts with nearby residents.

In conclusion, swarm prevention and management are important aspects of beekeeping. By regularly inspecting the colony and taking prompt action when necessary, beekeepers can help to prevent swarming and maintain healthy and productive colonies, ensuring a successful and rewarding beekeeping experience.

6: Collecting and processing honey (if your region experiences an early honey flow)

Collecting and processing honey is one of the most rewarding aspects of beekeeping. If your region experiences an early honey flow, it is important to take advantage of this opportunity to harvest honey from your hives.

To collect honey, beekeepers typically remove frames from the hive that are filled with capped honeycomb. These frames are then transported to a honey processing facility, where the honey is extracted from the comb using a centrifuge. Once the honey is extracted, it is filtered and bottled for consumption.

When harvesting honey from your hives, it is important to follow proper hygiene and safety protocols. This may include wearing protective clothing, using a smoker to calm the bees, and properly sanitizing equipment to prevent contamination.

Additionally, it is important to leave enough honey in the hive for the bees to feed on during the winter months. Beekeepers should typically leave at least 60-70 pounds of honey in the hive to ensure that the colony has enough food to survive.

In conclusion, collecting and processing honey is a rewarding aspect of beekeeping. If your region experiences an early honey flow, it is important to take advantage of this opportunity while also following proper hygiene and safety protocols and leaving enough honey in the hive for the bees to survive. By taking these steps, beekeepers can enjoy a successful and productive honey harvest while also ensuring the continued health and wellbeing of their colonies.

7: Monitoring and maintaining hive ventilation and temperature

Monitoring and maintaining hive ventilation and temperature are essential aspects of beekeeping, as they play a crucial role in the health and productivity of the colony.

Proper ventilation is important to ensure that the hive stays cool during the summer months and dry during the winter months. Inadequate ventilation can lead to the build-up of moisture and the growth of mould and mildew, which can be harmful to the bees. Beekeepers can ensure proper ventilation by using screened bottom boards and top entrances, as well as ensuring that there is enough space between frames for air to circulate.

Maintaining proper hive temperature is also important to ensure that the colony is healthy and productive. Bees are able to regulate the temperature of the hive by fanning their wings and clustering together, but beekeepers can also provide additional support by using insulation or ventilation to maintain a consistent temperature.

Regular inspections of the hive can help beekeepers to identify any issues with ventilation or temperature and take prompt action to address them. This may involve adding or removing supers, adjusting the position of the hive, or providing additional ventilation or insulation.

In conclusion, monitoring and maintaining hive ventilation and temperature are essential aspects of beekeeping. By ensuring proper ventilation and temperature, beekeepers can help to maintain healthy and productive colonies, ensuring a successful and rewarding beekeeping experience.

 

8: Feeding bees if food stores are low

Feeding bees is an important aspect of beekeeping, particularly if the colony's food stores are running low. Bees require a consistent source of food to survive, particularly during the winter months when forage is scarce.

If a beekeeper notices that their colony's food stores are low, they can provide supplemental feeding to ensure that the bees have enough food to survive. This may involve using sugar syrup or pollen substitute to provide the bees with the necessary nutrients.

Feeding bees fondant is a common method used by beekeepers to provide supplemental food to their colonies. Fondant is a sugar-based candy that provides bees with a source of carbohydrates during times when forage is scarce.

To feed bees fondant, beekeepers can place the fondant on top of the frames in the hive or in a feeder that is specifically designed for fondant. Beekeepers should ensure that the fondant is accessible to the bees, but not so close to the entrance that it attracts pests or predators.

Fondant is a popular choice for feeding bees because it is easy to use and does not require cooking or mixing. It can also be stored for long periods of time without spoiling.

However, it is important to note that feeding bees fondant should be done as a last resort. Beekeepers should ensure that their colonies have enough food stores before the winter months to prevent the need for supplemental feeding. Additionally, providing a diverse range of forage throughout the year can help to ensure that the bees have access to the necessary nutrients to maintain a healthy and productive colony.

In conclusion, feeding bees fondant can be a helpful way for beekeepers to provide supplemental food to their colonies during times of low forage. By following proper feeding protocols and ensuring that the colony has enough food stores before the winter months, beekeepers can help to maintain healthy and productive colonies, ensuring a successful and rewarding beekeeping experience.

 

9: Cleaning and sanitizing beekeeping equipment

Cleaning and sanitizing beekeeping equipment is an important aspect of beekeeping. It helps to prevent the spread of disease, ensure that equipment is in good working condition, and maintain the health of the colony.

To clean beekeeping equipment, beekeepers should begin by removing any excess wax, propolis, or debris. They can then use warm, soapy water to clean the equipment, being sure to scrub thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue.

After cleaning, beekeepers should rinse the equipment with clean water and allow it to air dry completely before using it again. Some beekeepers also choose to sanitize their equipment to kill any bacteria or viruses that may be present. This can be done by soaking the equipment in a solution of bleach and water, or by using a commercial sanitizer.

It is important to note that different types of equipment may require different cleaning methods. For example, frames and combs may require scraping or brushing to remove excess wax, while protective gear should be washed and dried separately from other equipment.

Regular cleaning and sanitizing of beekeeping equipment can help to prevent the spread of disease, ensure that equipment is in good working condition, and maintain the health of the colony. By following proper cleaning protocols and ensuring that equipment is stored properly, beekeepers can help to ensure a successful and rewarding beekeeping experience.

 

10: Attend beekeeping workshops or events to learn about new techniques or stay updated on beekeeping practices

Attending beekeeping workshops or events is a great way for beekeepers to learn about new techniques and stay updated on beekeeping practices. These events offer a chance to connect with other beekeepers, share knowledge, and gain valuable insights into the latest research and trends in beekeeping.

Beekeeping workshops and events can cover a wide range of topics, from hive management and disease prevention to honey production and marketing. They may be hosted by local beekeeping associations, universities, or other organizations, and may include hands-on demonstrations, lectures, or panel discussions.

Attending these events can help beekeepers stay up-to-date on the latest research and trends in beekeeping, and provide an opportunity to connect with other beekeepers in their community. They can also be a valuable resource for new beekeepers who are just starting out and looking to learn more about the basics of beekeeping.

In addition to attending local events, beekeepers can also find valuable information online through beekeeping forums, blogs, and social media groups. These resources offer a chance to connect with beekeepers from around the world, share knowledge and experiences, and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in beekeeping.

In conclusion, attending beekeeping workshops or events is an excellent way for beekeepers to learn about new techniques, stay updated on beekeeping practices, and connect with other beekeepers in their community. By taking advantage of these opportunities, beekeepers can continue to grow and develop their skills, ensuring a successful and rewarding beekeeping experience.

Stewart and Gibson Ltd is a UK-based company that offers a wide range of beekeeping equipment and supplies. With over 100 years of experience in the industry, they have become a trusted source for beekeepers of all levels.

Their selection of beekeeping equipment includes everything from hives and frames to protective gear, tools, and accessories. They also offer a variety of honey extraction and processing equipment.

Stewart and Gibson Ltd is committed to providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service. They work closely with beekeepers to understand their unique needs and offer tailored solutions to help them succeed.

Overall, Stewart and Gibson Ltd is a comprehensive source for all your beekeeping needs. With their extensive selection of equipment, commitment to quality and customer service they are a trusted partner for beekeepers of all levels.