Calendar for the Management of Beekeeping
March
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From the Rev. Langstroth: In our Northern States, the inhospitable reign of Winter still continues, and the directions given for the two previous months will be applicable to this. If there should be a pleasant day when bees are able to fly briskly, seize the opportunity to remove the covers; carefully clean out the hives, and learn the exact condition of every colony. See that your bees have a sheltered and sunny place for procuring water, and also that they are well supplied with rye-flour. In this month weak stocks commonly begin to breed, while strong ones increase quite rapidly. If the weather is favorable, colonies which have been kept in a special winter depository, may now be put upon their proper stands. |
Spring is in the air, and it would be easy on the first warm days to jump the gun and de-Winterise the colonies too soon. It is best to wait until at least after St. Patrick's day to do that.
Another indicator that may be useful is the growing degree days calendar (in Ohio, you can use The Ohio State Phenology Calendar). Look at what is blooming, and if the nectar sources are starting to flow, now is to unleash the bees!
Apiary Activities for this Month
Ensure the hive entrances are clear of snow and dead bees.
In the 2nd half of March, once the bees begin bringing in loads of pollen,
- Remove any remaining pollen patties (e.g., AP23 Winter Patties). Leaving pollen patties in place will encourage the growth of small hive beetles (SHBs).
- If the nectar is not yet flowing, feed the bees with Hive Alive liquid (or 1:1 sugar water).
On a day which is warm enough (especially in late March — though this could move to early April) and the weather seems to have made a permanent change away from the Winter cold, the apiarist can de-Winterise the colonies.
- Remove the straw bales,
- Remove the insulation from between the hives,
- Separate the hives so that there is sufficient space for inspections,
- Remove the quilt box,
- Reconfigure the brood chamber, moving the top box to the bottom and vice-versa, and
- Replace the inner cover.
If you are wanting to move to new hive stands for your hives, now is a good time.
Check for any deadouts. If there is one, now is a good time to clean that hive before the bees rot.
Other Activities for this Month
Set out swarm traps.
Set out yellow jacket traps, especially in the apiary.
We are headed into the beekeeping season! Get ready.
- Ensure there is adequate fuel of the smoker
- If a propane torch is used to light the smoker, ensure there is a spare bottle.
- Get the hive inspection tool bag / box ready to go.
- Check the hives to ensure they are level or lean a bit forward. They may need to shimmed them up to get that right.
- Gather swarm collection equipment into a place where it is easily loaded into the truck. Delays in arriving at the site for collecting the swarm may mean a lost opportunity.
If you haven't washed your bee suit all year, now is a good time. Get the locker room smells out of it.
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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Set out yellow jacket traps, especially in the apiary. The goal is to trap the yellow jacket queens before they build a nest and procreate. |
Yellow jackets |
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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. |