Winter Solstice but preparing for Spring.

The Winter Solstice is June 21 in the southern hemisphere. It is traditionally when the Queens egg laying is at a low point or ceased altogether, and the beehive numbers are at their lowest. So beyond the Winter Solstice, beekeepers start preparing for Spring.

✅Preparing For Next Season.

It is worth doing some tasks now to avoid the rush in Spring. If you don’t have bees, please order for Spring pick up. Order other equipment you will need for beekeeping. Learn more about beekeeping, take a class or buy a new bee book and read it.

If you own bees, it is time to check any stored supers for wax moths. If wax moths are present, clean frames and refreeze the supers for two days to destroy unseen eggs. Store in insect-proof containers or a light and airy location. On a commercial scale, stored supers can be fumigated. However, this is a specialised task and not available to the untrained.

✅Combs.

Replace combs more than three years old. The reason for this is that wax absorbs insecticides and herbicides. Over time these harmful chemicals accumulate. If you provide pollination services, your bees will be exposed to more agricultural chemicals, so consider replacement more frequently.

Unfortunately, not every beehive makes it through winter. Check for any dead colonies and remove them from your bee site. If possible, attempt to learn why the colony has died.

✅A Positive Note.

Spring is eleven weeks away. Bring it on!😊

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