Cold weather is upon us and the bees have been prepped and tucked into their hives for the winter. Even though beekeepers are hands-off in the winter, it doesn’t mean that they stop their beekeeping activities. To the contrary, there are plenty of activities for beekeepers that keep them busy during the next few months.
Photo Credit: Bees work hard during the summer to make and cap their honey.
Melt down beeswax. During this time, excess comb, bits, scraps and older wax from frames is melted down to form blocks of beeswax for future use.
Make beauty products. Lip balms, lotions, creams, salves and scrubs are all fun things beekeepers learn how to make and sell on their own.
Photo Credit: Homemade beeswax soap
Make candles. The beewax that was melted down is turned into homemade candles.
Research new techniques. Beekeeping is a field that continues to grow. New hives, alternative feeding methods, and integrated pest management techniques are always adapting and improving.
Repair and replace old hives. This is a great time to repair honey supers, build new deeps, and replace worn frames and/or foundation. It’s also time to assemble new hives.
Photo Credit: Bees bustle outside these hives.
Prepare for spring splits. Most hives that come out of winter with strong numbers should be split. Learn how to make splits and what equipment is necessary.
Build a swarm box. Be ready to catch a swarm this spring with this fun project.
Train new beekeepers. Help train new beekeepers just getting into the hobby by participating in your local bee club’s school.
Photo Credit: A group attends a hive opening.
3 Comments
Thank you for this informative article, it gave me some ideas, and brought to my attention the fact that we do not have a local bee keeping club. Just might be a project for me to take on..
Hi do you have a recipe for a potien bar for bees
Thank you for the information on building a swarm box mouse and bird proofing is an excellent idea I hadn’t imagined for a swarm box. Will be incorporating this in my next boxes.