Seasonal Management

So much of Beekeeping is related to the season of the year especially here in Ohio and the surrounding tristate.   Some of our season-specific tasks can be found in the links below.  For beekeepers looking to buy or sell used equipment, as well as referencing the Ohio State Laws concerning apiaries, please refer to Ohio State Code/Apiaries

The Ohio State University Phenology Calendar provides information about available food for your bees in all seasons. 

Trees for bees list 8-18.xlsx · version 1

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter


 

Permanent link to this article: https://warrencountyohiobeekeepers.org/seasonal-management/

Spring

  Spring is the time we start thinking about Growing Degree Days (GDD) and what natural sources of nutrition are available for our bees.  Check out this calendar from The Ohio State University and see what is available or what will soon be available in your area.  The Ohio State University Phenology Calendar March:  Status check your …

Summer

Test all hives for Varroa mites and purchase enough FormicPro or Apiguard to treat in August if you find more than 6 mites per 300 bees (1/2 a cup). Consider varroa mite and small hive beetle management Hive inspections :   Time to extract your honey!   Extract your honey making sure to leave stores …

Fall

 Continue to monitor your hive looking for signs of disease, queen presence, laying patterns and the like. Evaluate your equipment for repair or replacement.  Order new equipment as needed.  In October, if above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, treat for mites using the dribble or vaporizer method.  Use Oxalic acid no more than once a year. start …

Winter Beekeeping

Prepare for overwintering Keep Bees Alive by Michigan State University Feeding Your Bees Building a feeder Preparing food for your bees Keeping Bees Snug Candy Boards can provide both food as well as moisture control helping keep your bees snug.    Other considerations: Check your colony’s level of candy wealth and replenish when needed. If …