As winter melts away and spring approaches in Peoria, Illinois, beekeepers eagerly prepare their hives for the busy season ahead. Spring is a critical time for honeybee colonies, as it sets the stage for a productive year of honey production and pollination. In this post, we will guide you through the steps we take to get our apiary ready for the season, taking into consideration the unique climate and conditions of the Peoria area.
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Checking for 1:1 Sugar Water Feed (Above 55°F): When the temperatures rise above 55°F, it's an excellent time to check your hives for their food stores. Bees may have depleted their honey reserves over the winter, and they'll need sustenance to thrive in the spring. A 1:1 sugar/water mixture by weight or volume (they end up being very close) can provide the necessary nourishment. Ensure that your feeders are clean and full, and monitor their consumption. Continue feeding until natural nectar sources become available. Supers should not be added at this time as you would then be collecting honey made of sugar water.
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Inspecting for Brood (Above 60°F): Once the temperature consistently exceeds 60°F, it's time to inspect your hives for brood. You can check if temperatures are above 50°F, but 60 is usually a safer temperature. Remember the bees will be going on cleansing flights that this point trying to get rid of the indigestible ashes that they have been consuming that naturally occurs in the honey they collect. Brood is the developing larvae and pupae and is a sign that the queen is laying eggs, which is essential for colony growth. During this inspection, look for a healthy brood pattern and the presence of eggs, larvae, and capped brood cells. If you notice any issues, consult with a local beekeeping expert for advice on how to address them.
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Newspaper Combine for Strong Colonies: Strong colonies may need to be combined to prevent overcrowding or swarming. To perform a newspaper combine, select two colonies you want to merge. This is usually a weaker colony and a stronger one. Place a sheet of newspaper with a few slits in the center on top of one hive and then stack the second hive on top. Bees from both hives will gradually mix through the newspaper. This method helps ensure a smooth integration of the colonies.
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Removing Mouse Guards and Cleaning Bottom Boards: With the arrival of spring, you can remove the mouse guards that protected your hives during the winter. Additionally, take the time to clean the bottom boards of dead bees and other debris that may have accumulated during the colder months. A clean hive is a healthier hive. Some strong and fastidious hives may have very few dead bees. If your mouse guards have enough openings, they may not have to be removed.
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Reversing Boxes (Optional): While some beekeepers prefer to reverse the positions of their hive boxes in the spring to encourage brood expansion in the lower box, this practice is not mandatory. Consider the condition of your colony and local environmental factors when deciding whether to reverse boxes. Some colonies may benefit from this technique, while others may not require it. The idea is often that the bees will not move back down into the lower box. We don't do this in our apiary and have found it really doesn't have much of an impact.
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Oxalic Acid Treatment for Early Mite Control (Above 60°F): Mites can be a significant threat to honeybee colonies, so it's essential to address them early in the season. When daytime temperatures consistently exceed 60°F, you can use oxalic acid treatment to control mite populations. Follow the recommended guidelines and safety precautions for this treatment, as excessive use can harm your bees. We prefer vaporized Oxalic Acid but this does require a mask.
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Cleaning Up Dead Outs: In the unfortunate event that some of your hives did not make it through the winter, it's crucial to clean up the dead outs. Everyone has this happen at one point or another. Don't be discouraged. Remove any dead bees, old frames, and comb, and clean the equipment as best as you can. This prevents the spread of diseases and prepares the equipment for use in new hives. If the hive had known diseases or issues going into winter it might be best at that point to start with new frames.
Remember, spring hive preparation for honeybees in Peoria, Illinois is a vital task for beekeepers. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your hives are ready for the season ahead. From feeding and inspecting for brood to mite control and cleaning up dead outs, taking these steps will help your honeybee colonies thrive in the spring and beyond. Happy beekeeping!