What’s going on this month in the hive?

What tasks do I need to do to ensure hive health?

December in the hive

Colonies will be boiling with bees (unless they have swarmed!).  This is the main honey flow.  the queen’s laying may ease off slightly.

Beekeeper Tasks

  • Inspect hive weekly to check on health and ensure the queen is present.
  • Add honey supers as needed.
  • Remove varroa strips applied in October and check treatment has worked.
  • Feed sugar syrup if necessary.
  • Manipulate hives if desired (swapping over brood boxes).
  • Harvest and extract early crops.  If you are in a tutin area (North Island and top half of South Island) ensure your comb honey is removed by 31 December.

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