B-insights 
As summer fades into fall, beekeepers face a critical time to help their hives transition into the colder months. Preparing your bees properly during this period can ensure they have the strength and resources to survive winter. In this guide on fall beekeeping, we’ll walk you through six essential steps to get your hive ready for winter and ensure a healthy colony come spring.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1. Why Fall Beekeeping is Important
Fall is a transition period where the hive’s focus shifts from honey production to winter survival. Your primary goal in fall beekeeping is to make sure your bees are healthy, well-fed, and protected from harsh conditions. Here’s why it’s crucial: Winter Survival: Healthy, well-prepared hives have a better chance of surviving the winter. Honey Stores: The colony needs sufficient honey stores to last until spring when flowers begin to bloom again.
Pro Tip: Start your fall preparations early in the season, ideally in late August or early September, so your bees have time to adjust to cooler temperatures.
2. Essential Tools for Fall Hive Management
Proper fall hive management requires the right tools. Here’s a list to keep handy: Bee Suit and Gloves: Cooler temperatures may make bees more defensive, so keep your protective gear on hand. Hive Tool: You’ll need this for inspections and to check frames for honey stores. Smoker: Helps calm the bees during inspections. Feeder: Necessary if you need to supplement their food stores before winter. Entrance Reducer: Protects the hive from pests and reduces cold drafts.
Pro Tip: Inspect and clean your tools before starting fall tasks to ensure everything is in good condition.
3. Inspecting Hive Health in Fall
Fall is the last chance to thoroughly inspect your hive’s health before winter. During inspections, focus on assessing colony strength, queen vitality, and honey stores. Check Queen Health: A healthy, active queen will help the hive prepare for winter. Look for consistent egg-laying, indicating she’s strong and in good condition. Evaluate Colony Strength: Make sure your hive population is large enough to create a “winter cluster,” which helps bees stay warm. Inspect for Diseases and Pests: Check for varroa mites, nosema, and other diseases that could weaken the hive in winter. Treat any issues promptly. Assess Honey Stores: Bees need about 60-90 pounds of honey (or more, depending on your climate) to last through winter.
Pro Tip: Avoid disturbing the hive too much in fall. Limit inspections to necessary checks to avoid disrupting the bees’ winter preparation.
4. Feeding and Preparing Honey Stores
If the hive lacks enough honey for winter, supplemental feeding may be necessary to help them reach sufficient levels. Here’s how to approach fall feeding: Sugar Syrup: In fall, use a 2:1 sugar-to-water syrup to help bees build up their reserves. Protein Supplements: Pollen patties can be provided if there’s a lack of natural pollen sources, especially if the hive seems weak.
Pro Tip: Stop feeding once temperatures drop consistently below 50°F (10°C), as bees will stop taking syrup. At this point, ensure the hive is closed and prepared for winter.
5. Reducing Hive Space and Winterizing
As fall progresses, reducing the hive’s space can help conserve warmth and protect your colony during winter. Here’s how to winterize your hive: Remove Unused Boxes: Remove any excess honey supers that the bees are not using to avoid drafts and make the hive more compact. Install an Entrance Reducer: This helps prevent cold drafts and keeps out intruders like mice that may seek warmth. Add Insulation: In colder regions, adding a hive wrap or insulation board can help the bees maintain their cluster warmth.
Pro Tip: Avoid sealing the hive too tightly; bees need some ventilation to prevent moisture buildup, which can be harmful in winter.
6. Managing Pests Before Winter
Pest control is critical in fall, as pests can weaken the hive just before winter. Take these steps to protect your hive: Treat for Varroa Mites: Mites are a common threat to winter hive survival. Consider an appropriate mite treatment, ensuring it’s applied safely and early enough to avoid harming the colony. Monitor for Other Pests: Look for wax moths, small hive beetles, and other pests. These pests can damage the comb and weaken the hive’s structure. Use Entrance Guards: Entrance guards or screens can help prevent mice and other larger pests from entering the hive during colder months.
Pro Tip: Regularly check the entrance area for signs of pests and ensure any treatment is completed well before the hive goes dormant for winter.
Conclusion
Fall beekeeping is all about setting up your bees for a successful winter survival. By following these six essential steps, you’ll support the hive’s health, ensure sufficient food stores, and manage hive space and pests before winter arrives. Starting early and staying proactive can make a significant difference in your colony’s strength come spring. Do you have any fall beekeeping tips or tricks? Share them in the comments, and don’t forget to check out our blog for more seasonal beekeeping guides and helpful resources!