October Beekeeping Tips
Inspection
The weather might get too cold for extended inspections. Watch the weather.
Nutrition
A full-sized colony should have at least 70-90 pounds of honey to eat by the beginning of October or more than one full deep. Estimate weight by slightly tipping and hefting the hive.
If you feed the bees sugar syrup, it should be a 2:1 ratio and thicker than the spring feed. The bees will need at least two double-sided frames of pollen/bee bread by late winter/early spring.
The bees will need at least two double-sided frames of pollen by late winter or early spring.
If the weather is dry this fall an you have limited water source near the hive, make sure to provide one.
Pests, parasites, and disease
Always remove chemical Varroa mite treatments according to directions. Make sure that none remain in the hive before you winterize them.
Equipment
Winter prep should continue. Remove extra supers and queen excluders, secure the hive cover, add mouse guard. Consider raising the hive up off the ground and remove any supers that have not been filled.
Let us know of any questions as you navigate your bee journey!
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