Top Tips for January and February….
- Monitor varroa and apply oxalic acid if necessary
- Check that the hive and protection against predators is intact especially after windy weather
- Check the entrance is not blocked by snow or debris such as dead bees
- Consider how you can improve your skills for the new year.
Top Tips for March….
- Check bee activity outside the hive. Bees should now be starting to collect pollen and, perhaps, a little nectar. A steady supply of pollen on a warm day is a good indication of brood
- This month is the time when colonies can die of starvation, so feed candy (see Top Tips – About Candy) or syrup, if necessary
- If weather is warm enough, check brood and stores, but be very careful not to chill the brood. Ideally, wait for a shade temperature of 16ºC
- With strong active hives you can remove mouse guards later in the month.
Additional Winter Top Tip….
- In freezing weather it is a good time to move hives if needed. In cold weather with temperatures near to 0ºC hives can be moved shorter distances than would be possible in the Summer – even one metre – and the bees will be able to re-orientate when they fly again. Wear a veil as some bees may fly out!