Fall Beekeeping Checklist 🍁

Preparing Your Hives for Winter

As we embrace fall and our hive activity starts to slow, it’s essential to prepare your bees for the upcoming colder months. Use our fall preparation checklist to ensure your hive management is on point for winter:

1. Hive Space: Reduce to Winter Configuration: With the decrease in hive population, it’s important to adjust the hive space to its winter configuration. This helps maintain temperature control and reduces the risk of pests. Assess for weak colonies, combining them into a single hive can also help ensure that the remaining bees have sufficient space and resources for winter.

   
   

2. Food: Top Off the Hive: Ensure there’s enough nectar or honey stored, as pollen is usually not a concern unless in excess. Provide supplemental feeding if necessary to maintain the hive’s weight and support the bees through winter.

   
   

3. Queen: Check for Fresh Brood: Verify that there is good, fresh brood to ensure the presence of healthy winter bees. A strong, healthy queen is crucial for the hive's winter survival.

   
   

4. Varroa Mite Control: Monitor and Treat: By now, you should have applied Varroa mite treatments. Depending on infestation levels, consider a follow-up treatment. Ongoing monitoring is essential to ensure the colony remains strong and healthy.

As always, continue the great work with your diligent record-keeping, monitor both your hives and their environments, and share your tips in the comments to support your fellow beekeepers 🍁🐝