December - Weight, Wait, and Plan
As winter deepens in Peoria, Illinois, the bees are clustered tightly inside their hives, generating warmth and slowly consuming their honey stores. By December, there’s little direct intervention, but a few key steps will help keep your colonies safe and healthy through the coldest months.
1. Monitor Hive Weight and Food Supplies
Although you shouldn’t open the hive during cold weather, you can lift the hive slightly from the back to gauge its weight. A lighter hive may signal low food stores. If your hives feel lighter than expected, prepare to add emergency feeding options, such as a candy board or fondant, on warmer days when you can safely access the top of the hive.
2. Keep Entrances Clear
Snow and ice can sometimes block hive entrances in December. Make sure there’s no buildup around entrances that might prevent your bees from accessing fresh air. When snow piles up, gently clear it away to allow proper airflow, but be careful not to disturb the hive.
3. Watch for Signs of Wildlife Activity
Colder weather can lead animals to seek warmth, and your hives may look like a good option to some wildlife. Check around the hive for signs of rodents or other animals, and make sure mouse guards are secure. Also, check for raccoon or skunk tracks, as these animals may try to access hives for food.
4. Avoid Disturbing the Cluster
By December, the bees are deep in their winter cluster, generating heat by vibrating their wing muscles. Avoid tapping or opening the hive, as disturbing the cluster can lead to stress and cold shock, wasting the energy bees need to survive until spring.
5. Prepare for Temperature Fluctuations
Illinois winters can have sudden warm-ups, followed by a return to freezing temperatures. During these warm spells, you might notice bees leaving the hive for cleansing flights. However, stay cautious and avoid opening the hive unless temperatures are around 50F, as it’s easy for bees to become chilled. If you do open the hive, have a plan in place, emergency feed at the ready, and calmly and quickly get in and out of your hive. You can also take these moments as an opportunity to monitor the hive from the outside, looking for normal activity and any signs of distress.
6. Start Planning for Spring
With the active season months away, now is a good time to plan for any expansions or changes. Researching new techniques, attending online seminars, or planning equipment purchases can help you get a head start on the upcoming season. Winter is also an ideal time to review records from the past year, assessing hive performance, and setting goals for spring. If your bees did not make it for whatever reason, this is also the time to consider purchasing a package or nuc colony for the spring.