Morgan County
IN THE HIVE: - The queen should be laying heavily now. - Brood is being reared if pollen is available. - Adult population is lowered due to winter losses. -A limited number of foraging flights might occur. INSPECTION & NUTRITION: - This month, the hive should have 3 or 4 combs full of honey. Feed the colony if the stores are empty, or if bees are visible at the top of the hive through the inner cover. - Feed with dry sugar, candy board or capped honey combs. - Feed with pollen supplement patties to stimulate egg laying. - Continue feeding until pollen or nectar are available and bees are able to forage outside. EQUIPMENT & PEST MANAGEMENT: - Mite population will start to rise in the colony, no treatment yet in the colder northern areas. - Equipment should be ready to go now. BEE YARD & ENVIRONMENT: -Make sure the hive cover is secure. - Don't be alarmed if you see dead bees around the outside of the hive, the bees are doing some spring cleaning. BLOOMING NOW: -Pussy Willow - Crocus - Witch Hazel - Silver Maple - Dandelion
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Start a new year with the White Lick Beekeepers!
Looking for a rewarding hobby that connects you with nature and your community? This is the perfect time to join our friendly beekeeping club! Whether you're a seasoned gardener seeking pollination superpowers, a hobbyist buzzing with curiosity, or just starting your honeybee journey, we've got something for you. Here's why you'll love the White Lick Beekeepers:
IN THE HIVE: -The cluster has moved to the top of the hive. -The queen starts laying or continues to lay a few eggs. INSPECTION & NUTRITION: -Don't open the hive this month. -Perform a quick external inspection, listen for the bees right up against the outside of the upper hive. Tap the outside of the hive, if necessary, to get a response. -If you must open the hive, wait until it is above 50 degrees and a windless day. -Risk of starvation is high in February. -If feeding is necessary, wait until it's above 50 degrees and use dry sugar or a candy board. -Some beekeepers retain frames of honey to use for feeding. Honey is the preferred food for bees, because it has the enzymes and vitamins that bees need. But whatever feeding method you use, in the winter, you've got to be able to get in and out of the hive quickly if you open it at all. Choose the safest method for the bees. EQUIPMENT & PEST MANAGEMENT: -Take inventory, make repairs, clean and sterilize, purchase new equipment, paint and assemble. -Purchase your bee packages and replacement queens for spring. -Check for pests nearby that are attracted to the warmth of the hive. BEE YARD & ENVIRONMENT: -Make sure the hive cover is secure. -Remove any ice blocking the hive entrance, but leave snow around the hive, it serves as insulation. IN THE HIVE: -This is typically the coldest month for the hive. -Bees will not leave the hive unless its warm and sunny and above 50 degrees. -Dead bees may be seen outside of the hive, don't be alarmed. INSPECTIONS & NUTRITION: -Don't open the hive this month. -For a quick external inspection, listen for the bees right up against the outside of the upper hive. Tap the outside, if necessary, to get a response. -If you must open the hive, wait until it is above 50 degrees on a windless day. -If feeding is necessary, again, wait until it's above 50 degrees and use dry sugar or a candy board. EQUIPMENT: -Now is a great time to order your bees and any replacement queens. We have you covered! Simply click Buy Bees 2024. -Check equipment stores for pests. -Take inventory, clean and repair any equipment, purchase new equipment. Paint and assemble as needed. -If you are looking to expand your apiary this year, purchase extra hive equipment in case you catch a swarm this summer. BEE YARD & ENVIRONMENT: Make sure your hive cover is secure. -Remove any ice blocking the hive entrance, but leave snow around the hive because it will serve as insulation. BONUS TIP: Expand your knowledge and have fun by attending a WLBA club meeting. Attend the Bee School in February 2024! |
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