April To-Do’s:
Packages and nucleus colonies will become available for pickup later this month. Make sure to finish preparing your equipment for their arrival. Monitor population growth closely and provide space as required by each colony. You may notice a decrease in consumption of supplemental feeding, in which case you can remove feeders from all but the smallest/weakest hives. Feed your new hives (packages and NUCs) for at least 3 weeks after they arrive.
Trim any grass or weeds that begin encroaching entrances or obstructing flight paths. Continue to monitor for pests and diseases. Small hive beetle populations can spike quickly if left unattended in small or weak colonies.
Stay vigilant, my friends. Swarm season still has plenty of time left. Dandelions, apples, and other fruit trees should be in full bloom as we enter April. Warmer temperatures coupled with the recent boom in available pollen and nectar signals that drones will become more common. There are plenty of males in flight for mating new queens so continue to carefully watch for swarm sign. Also, keep your ears open and eyes peeled for any swarms that may end up appearing in your area. Consider placing one or more bait hives around your property to catch these or any that may escape your hives unnoticed.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are more than happy to help.
Bee Informed!
In the News …
- Survey Reveals Over 1.1 million Honey Bee Colonies Lost submitted by Matthew C. Van Horn
- Sunflowers Linked to Reduced Varroa Mite Infestations in Honeybees submitted by Chris Marok
- First Vaccine for Honey Bees Approved by USDA, submitted by Don Reynolds
- US approves world’s first vaccine for declining honey bees, submitted by Holly Cole