Winter can be a challenging time for beekeepers and bees alike. The cold weather, the lack of forage, and the risk of diseases and pests can all threaten the survival of your colonies. As a beekeeper, you may be wondering how and when to open your hives after winter, and what to look for when you do. In this blog post, I will share some tips and best practices for opening your bee hives after winter in the UK.
When to Open Your Hives
The timing of opening your hives depends on several factors, such as the weather, the location, and the condition of your bees. Generally speaking, you should wait until the temperature is above 10°C and there is no risk of frost or strong winds. You should also avoid opening your hives on cloudy or rainy days, as this can disturb the bees and make them more defensive.
The best time to open your hives is in the early spring, when the bees start to become more active and bring in pollen and nectar from the first flowers. This is usually around late March or early April, but it can vary depending on the region and the year. You can also check the activity of your bees at the entrance of the hive, and look for signs of cleansing flights, orientation flights, and foraging flights.
How to Open Your Hives
Before opening your hives, you should prepare the following items:
A smoker and fuel
A hive tool
A bee brush
A pair of gloves
A veil or a suit
A feeder and sugar syrup (optional)
A Varroa mite treatment (optional)
You should also have a plan of what you want to do and inspect in your hives, and work quickly and efficiently to minimize the disturbance to the bees.
Here are the steps to follow when opening your hives:
Light your smoker and puff some smoke at the entrance of the hive and under the roof. This will calm the bees and mask their alarm pheromones.
Remove the roof and the crown board, and place them upside down on the ground. Puff some more smoke over the top bars of the frames.
Gently lift one frame from the edge of the hive, and inspect it for signs of brood, honey, pollen, and bees. Look for the queen, or mark her if you find her. Check for any signs of disease, such as chalkbrood, foulbrood, or nosema. Check for any signs of pests, such as Varroa mites, wax moths, or mice. If you see any problems, take appropriate actions, such as removing affected frames, applying treatments, or contacting your local bee inspector.
Repeat the process for the rest of the frames, working from the edge to the center of the hive. Be careful not to damage or crush any bees, especially the queen. Try not to shake or bang the frames, as this can anger the bees. If the frames are stuck together with propolis, use your hive tool to pry them apart.
If you need to feed your bees, you can place a feeder on top of the crown board, and fill it with sugar syrup. You can also add some pollen substitute or fondant if the bees need more protein or carbohydrates. Make sure the feeder is secure and does not leak or spill.
If you need to treat your bees for Varroa mites, you can follow the instructions of the product you are using, such as oxalic acid, formic acid, or thymol. Make sure you use the correct dosage and timing, and wear protective equipment when handling the chemicals.
Replace the crown board and the roof, and make sure they fit snugly and do not leave any gaps. You can also add some insulation or ventilation if needed, depending on the weather and the moisture level in the hive.
Record your observations and actions in your hive diary, and plan your next inspection or intervention.
What to Look For When Opening Your Hives
When opening your hives after winter, you should look for the following indicators of the health and strength of your colonies:
The number and distribution of bees. A healthy colony should have at least 10,000 bees, covering most of the frames in the hive. The bees should be clustered in the center of the hive, where the brood nest is located. If the colony is too small, too spread out, or too clustered at the edges, it may indicate a problem with the queen, the food supply, or the temperature.
The presence and quality of brood. A healthy colony should have a good amount of brood, in various stages of development, from eggs to larvae to pupae. The brood pattern should be compact and consistent, with few empty cells. The brood should be white and healthy, with no signs of disease or deformity. The presence of brood also indicates that the queen is alive and laying.
The amount and type of food. A healthy colony should have enough food to last until the next nectar flow, which is usually around May in the UK. The food should consist of honey and pollen, stored in the frames around the brood nest. The honey should be capped and dry, and the pollen should be varied and colorful. If the colony is low on food, you should feed them with sugar syrup, fondant, or pollen substitute.
The behavior and temperament of the bees. A healthy colony should be calm and gentle, and not overly aggressive or defensive. The bees should be busy and productive, and not listless or lethargic. The bees should also be clean and groomed, and not covered with Varroa mites, dust, or debris.
Conclusion
Opening your bee hives after winter is an important and exciting task for any beekeeper. It allows you to check the condition of your bees, and to provide them with any assistance they may need. By following the tips and best practices outlined in this blog post, you can ensure that your bees are healthy and happy, and ready for the new season of beekeeping. Happy beekeeping! 🐝
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