January-February:

  • The bees are mostly in a tight cluster in the hive but are beginning to stir and lay a few eggs. They fly on warm days (> 50F) so providing adequate food is a primary concern.
  • For new clients, discussions regarding logistics will take place. New hives will be properly sited and the necessary materials (hive bodies, frames, etc.) will be installed.
  • For existing hives, the bees will be monitored and fed as necessary

March-April:

  • The bees begin foraging and rapidly increase reproduction during these months. The beginning of Varroa mite population increases may become apparent.
  • For new hives, bees and feed will be installed and checked roughly one week after installation to confirm establishment of the colony.
  • For existing hives we monitor population growth and treat for Varroa as appropriate.

May-June

  • This is the most active period of foraging and reproduction for the colony, and the hive is normally at its strongest. Honey supplies and bee population sizes build up rapidly.
  • For both new and existing hives, very active monitoring and maintenance of hives is delivered. We may need to add supers for new brood and honey production, control for swarming, and keep an eye on Varroa mites, small hive beetles, and other maladies.

July-August

  • The bees continue to forage and reproduce but with decreasing vigor toward the end of this period, especially if the nectar dearth is strong and/or there is little rainfall.
  • For strong hives, some honey harvest is pOSSible. Active treatments including oxalic acid treatment for mites and robber screens if there is a nectar dearth are warranted.

September-October

  • The bee populations decline in number and newly emerged bees are increasingly longer lived overwintering bees as they begin to prepare for the winter.
  • We will perform an additional oxalic acid treatment for mites if warranted and start to consolidate the supers to keep hives compact. Some feeding and/or consolidation of weak hives may be necessary.

November-December

  • Bee reproduction in this period is minimal and the populations adapt to colder temperatures by dustering around the queen. Access to honey is critical as the bees consume honey to generate heat for the cluster.
  • We will add feed as necessary. Hives that fail will be cleaned and prepped for the next season as soon as appropriate.