By: Ann Harman
This article originally appeared in the Spring 2017 issue of BEEKeeping Your First Three Years
Spring is a busy time for beekeepers
Repair or replace any damaged or worn out equipment.
• Review all current equipment.
• Make a list of equipment needed for coming year.
• Take advantage of equipment supplier January sales.
Get outside and see what is blooming.
• Check hives and beeyard after Winter storms.
• Check colonies once a month but do not break cluster. Wear your veil.
• Frames of honey can be moved closer to cluster.
• In cold climates if food is needed, feed ‘wet sugar’ blocks.
Queen excluders need to be clean and not damaged.
• In warm climates feed 1:1 or slightly weaker sugar syrup to encourage egg laying.
In warm climates requeen if necessary.
• If any dead colonies, block entrances until you can inspect for a problem.
• In temperate climates, bees will take cleansing flights if bright sun and 40° or more.
• The arrival of Spring depends on climate.
In warm climates swarms can occur.
• Be a Weather Watcher and a Plant Watcher.
• Drones seen at entrance mean swarm season is beginning.
• In warm climates strong colonies can be split.
• Read the bee book you got for Christmas. Learn something new about honey bees.
Check your protective gear.
• Attend your local club meetings.
Check at entrance for bees bringing in pollen, essential for brood rearing.
• Plan to be an apprentice mentor this year. You are certain to learn something.
