How to Care for Bees in the First Year

This is also a good guideline for the care of your bees year after year.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bee Brushes
• Bee Smokers
• Boardman Entrance Feeders
• Comb Foundations
• Deep Supers
• Entrance Reducer
• Hive Tools
• Protective Clothing
• Protective Clothing
• Bee Veils
• Granulated Sugar
• Water
• Granulated Sugar
• 5-gallon Plastic Food Grade Buckets
• Canvas Tool Caddies
• Water

Winter Care

1. Check the queen. Make sure she is healthy and strong.

2. Check to see that there are plenty of bees in the hive to keep the queen warm.

3. Reduce the lower entrance to a 1-inch space.

4. Make sure the hive is protected from strong winter winds and is exposed to southern sun for warmth if you live in a cold area.

Spring Care

5. Prepare sugar water. Feed bees until honey flow begins.

6. Remove sugar water feeder after honey flow begins or when the flowers, trees, or bushes in your area start to bloom.

7. Light your smoker.

8. Put on your protective bee clothing and veil.

9. Smoke clothing and hive.

10. Remove the top cover of the hive.

11. Check the foundation to see if the bees are making comb to store honey.

12. Place the top back on the hive.

13. Remove the entrance block from the front of the hive. This will allow air to flow into the hive, keeping it cooler in the hotter months.

Summer Care

14. Gather your beekeeping equipment and wear protective clothing.

15. Light the smoker.

16. Lightly smoke your clothing and the hive.

17. Remove the top cover of the hive and examine the foundation.

18. Add a super when six of the frames are capped.

19. Place the top back on the new super.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the hive every 7 to 10 days and look for a full super.