Calendar for the Management of Beekeeping
February
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From the Rev. Langstroth: This month is sometimes colder than January, and then the directions given for the previous month, must be followed. In milder seasons, however, and in warmer regions, bees begin to fly quite lively in February, and in some locations they commence gathering pollen. The bottom boards should be again attended to, as soon as the bees are actively on the wing, and if any hives are suspiciously light, sugar-candy should be given them. Strong colonies will now begin to breed considerably, but nothing should be done to excite them to premature activity. |
The bees are probably getting ready for Spring, and the queen should be building up the hive's population by laying eggs like a banshee. The nurse bees will need loads of pollen to make the royal jelly needed for rearing those eggs into bees, so they will stop the queen from laying if there es not enough. Adding a pollen patty to the hive may be necessary to help the process along.
Apiary Activities for this Month
Continue on with the items listed above for January. These items need to be completed by the end of this month as March may hit the apiary with warmer weather than planned.
Take advantage for the odd warm period in February to check the food stores and for excess moisture.
Ensure the hive entrances are clear of snow and dead bees.
Also, add small pollen patties (e.g., AP23 Winter Patties). Contrary to the Rev. Langstroth’s guidance, this is a good idea and will trigger the queen to start the hive build-up if she has not done so already. The pollen patty should be rather small as if is too much pollen present, this can also trigger the growth of small hive beetles. Instead of a full patty, use only:
- ⅓ to ½ of a sheet of the AP23 Winter Patties for the 10-frame hives,
- ⅙ to ¼ of a sheet of the AP23 Winter Patties for the 5-frame hives.
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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Place hives on hive stands which are at least 16” high. This makes the smaller critters have to expose their tender underbelly when trying to snag a few bees for dinner. The bees can attack the underbelly and help the critter to choose to go elsewhere. |
Racoons & skunks |
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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) |
Pests not Addressed by this IPM Matrix
These pests are not addressed by the IPM matrix above. If you experience damage from these pests, contact your local bee inspector or the bee club.
- Bears - electric fencing is needed here and you will need to consult someone with experience about that.
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. |