As with all things, it’s important to plan your work and work your plan. At the Cook-DuPage Beekeeper’s Association, one of the highlights of the meetings is reviewing the list of activities that should be scheduled for completion during the month. The list sparks additions, debates and some lively conversation on different ways of managing your honey bees.
April
HAPPY NEW BEEKEEPING YEAR!!!!!
April is typically the month that new hives starts in our Area. The first package bees are delivered and installed between the 15th and 30th and the buzz of bees wings fill the air.
In our area it’s time to:
- Finish the assembly and preparation of your hives, hive stands and other parts.
- For new beekeepers, download the forms to register your bees with the Illinois Department of Agriculture (click here).
- Mix up some bee food. Springtime is the “light” syrup time where 1 part sugar is mixed with 1 part water (a 5 lb bag of sugar to 2.5 quarts of water). Heat the mixture until it is clear. Cool and store until needed.
- Monitor the pollen patty, if necessary you may need to add another.
- Inspect your existing hives for strength and any diseases or mites.
- Review your in hive frames to see if you should remove any that are damaged, or have an excess amount of pollen. You may even want to replace a few frames of drawn comb to provide more room and ventilation for your overwintered bees.
- Check to see if the brood boxes should be flipped to put the empty bottom box on the top and allow the bees to move up. The more space the bees think they have the less likely they are to swarm.
- Review the procedure for installing your bees and prepare to install any packages you receive.
- If you have ordered a package of bees by mail, be sure to let your post office know so they won’t be surprised.
- If treating with chemical, be sure to complete your treatments 4 weeks before the first serious nectar flow begins. DO NOT add supers before the 4 weeks have passed.