Knowledge about keeping bees, like so many other things, is learned by degrees. Mistakes are sure to be made, and I have made many. April is an interesting month. There are so many things going on at the same time.
Management techniques at this time are concerned with three things: colony health, food, and population growth issues such as swarming, supering and making increases. Successful beekeeping begins with healthy colonies well supplied with pollen and honey (Photos 1 and 2). The lack of either can be supplemented with pollen patties or sugar syrup. Every colony should be tested for varroa mite populations and treated prior to the placement of honey supers on the colony.
Management in April is like trying to stop a freight train out of control. First, let me share some observations that have always carried me through the bee season. You may call them guidelines or rules, and if you understand them, keeping bees will be profitable.
- First, an old adage says it takes bees to make honey and honey to make bees.
- There must always be room for expanding the brood nest, and room for honey storage.
- Splits, swarms, and increases weaken colonies unless techniques are used to keep populations large …
