Ann Harman
- The bee year is winding down – Winter is approaching.
- October First – the day to install mouse guards
- Queens decrease egg laying – brood diminishes.
- Use broodless period for Varroa intervention until day temperatures lower below 57°F.
- Bees start their cluster at 57°F.
- Keep small hive beetle under control until weather becomes cold.
- If you are in bear country, make certain bear fence is working. Bears need to fatten up before hibernation. They are looking for brood.
- Bees need adequate Winter stores: Warm climate 40 pounds
- Temperate climate 60 pounds
- Cold climate 90 pounds
- Frames of stored honey can be moved if colonies are disease-free. Look carefully – do not move the queen.
- If feeding is necessary, mix two or better three parts white granulated sugar (or slightly less) to one part water.
- Do not feed liquid syrup when temperatures are below 67°F.
- Do not leave queen excluders on the hives. Clean them on a cold day when wax will snap off.
- When cleaning queen excluders inspect for any damage and discard. Queens find bent rods and torn plastic.
- Inspect all equipment for damage. Set aside for repair – or – fix it now!
- Inspect stored comb for damage, excessive drone comb, pieces of cross comb
- Protect all stored equipment, including plastic queen excluders, from mice
- To kill wax moth eggs, woodenware and brood combs can be placed in plastic bags and frozen for a week. Leave in plastic bags and protect from mice.
- Clean up the beeyard (and find that lost hive tool). Do not leave pieces of equipment lying around.
- Clear weeds from hive entrances so bees can take cleansing flights.
- Wash all bee clothing – veils, jackets, coveralls, gloves. Replace household gloves with new ones.
- Clean up the smoker and make sure it is free of ashes under the grid.
- Check hives once a month to see if food stores are adequate. Do not break the cluster!
- The holiday season is coming – use honey in cooking!
- It’s a good time to read bee magazines and books.
- Santa is waiting for your list of equipment and books so he can load his sleigh!
