From the Rev. Langstroth: I take for granted that all necessary preparations for Winter, have, in our Northern States, been completed by the last of the previous month. If, however, the bee-keeper has been prevented from examining his stocks, he may, on warm days, in November, safely perform all necessary operations, the feeding with liquid honey, excepted. The entrances to the hives must now be secured against mice, and it will be well to give the roofs a new coat of paint. If the hives are to be exposed to the sun, at all seasons, no color is so good as a pure white; but if they are set under the shade of trees, a dark color will do them no harm, in the hottest weather, while early in the season, before the leaves are expanded, by absorbing instead of reflecting the heat, it will prove highly advantageous to the bees.

By the latter part of November, in our Northern States, Winter usually sets in, and colonies which are to be kept in a special winter depository, should be properly housed. The later in the season that the bees are able to fly out and discharge their feces, the better. The bee-keeper must regulate the time of housing his bees by the season and climate, being careful not to take them in, until cold weather appears to be fairly established, nor to leave them out too late. The necessity for the exercise of so much good judgment in this matter, is a serious objection to the use of winter quarters, by any except those who have considerable experience in their management. If colonies are carried in too early, and a spell of quite warm weather succeeds the first cold, it will sometimes be advisable to replace them on their summer stands.

Pest Management Controls

Addresses ********************************************************************************************************** Cultural Options

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

Ensure mouse guards are in place. This can be a separate device, or the entrance reducers could have #4 hardware cloth covering them.

Mice

Add or replace beetle traps as necessary.

Small hive beetles

Add a carpet tack strip to the entrance board to defer critters

Skunks ********************************************************************************************************** Genetic Options

It is getting late in the season, but you can still replace your queen with one which will sire Varroa-resistant stock. That is discussed more in Genetic Stock, along with options.

Varroa ********************************************************************************************************** Chemical Options

A prophylactic application of oxalic acid vaporisation is worth considering.

Varroa

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October

December

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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.