Calendar for the Management of Beekeeping
December
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From the Rev. Langstroth: In regions where it is advisable to house bees, the dreary reign of Winter is now fairly established, and the directions given for January are for the most part equally applicable to this month. It may be well, in hives out of doors, to remove the dead bees and other refuse from the bottom-boards, but neither in this month nor at any other time, should this be attempted with those removed to a dark and protected place. Such colonies must not, except under the pressure of some urgent necessity, be disturbed in the very least. I recommend to the inexperienced bee-keeper, to read this synopsis of monthly management, again and again, and to be sure that he fully understands and punctually discharges the appropriate duties of each month, neglecting nothing, and procrastinating nothing to a more convenient season; for while bees do not require a large amount of attention, in proportion to the profits yielded by them, they must have it at the proper time and in the right way. Those who complain of their unprofitableness, are often as much to blame as a farmer who, after neglecting to take suitable care of his stock, or to gather his crops in season, should denounce his employment as yielding only a scanty return, on a large investment of capital and labor. |
Apiary Activities for this Month
On one of the days where the weather gets above 45°F (7°C), the bees will take cleansing flights.
- This is a good time to add food for the hive.
- Do not do this too early in December: sugar is harder for the bees to digest and can cause them to get the bee form of dysentery.
- Do not add pollen patties though: it is too early to encourage the queen to start laying eggs for the Spring.
- At an apiary visit, use a bent rod to pull as many dead bees from the bottom board as one can reasonably reach.
Other Activities for this Month
Read a good book about beekeeping
Catch up on all the beekeeping magazines which have been piling up.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
More information is available about Integrated Pest Management.
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Pest Management Controls |
Addresses |
| Cultural Options | |
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Strap the hives to a secure stand. This helps to ensure the larger critters cannot push the hives over (e.g., by a deer rubbing against the side), and stops racoons from opening the top. |
High winds, large critters, & medium sized critters |
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Ensure mouse guards are in place. This can be a separate device, or the entrance reducers could have #4 hardware cloth covering them. |
Mice |
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Add a carpet tack strip to the entrance board to defer critters |
Skunks |
| Genetic Options | |
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(none at this time) |
(n/a) |
| Chemical Options | |
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(none at this time) |
(n/a) |
More Information
Published Articles
- Wintering Bees in Cold Climates: Fall Management, Preparing for Winter, How to be a Good Beekeeper in January, and Diagnosing Spring Colony Deadouts, by Dr. Christina Wahl, Dr. Linda Mizer, & Dr. Diana Sammataro
Books and Papers
- A Practical Treatise on the Hive and Honey-Bee, 2d Edition, 1857, by the Rev. Lorenzo Lorraine Langstroth
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Disclaimer: eMail comments to me at BeekeepingBoK @ Gmail.com. The process of beekeeping can cause injury or be a health hazard unless proper precautions are taken, including the wearing of appropriate protective equipment. |