08/03/2025
BBKA SAYS:
March in the Apiary
Main Actions
On a warm day observe the entrance for activity and pollen going in this can be an indicator of brood and therefore a laying queen
Inspections
Probably leave full inspections till late March or early April unless you have an urgent reason (geographical variation) or if weather warmer than average, even then keep it brief
Feeding
Stores can be running low especially with an expanding colony and limited forage
When adequate forage available take off fondant
If feed required 1:1 syrup can be used
Pollen patties and option but need maintaining
Pests and Disease
Remove mouse guards when main frost risks have passed
Check Varroa levels
Equipment
Find your Queen excluders and have other kit ready to go
How you will house any swarms and perform artificial swarms (splits)?
Do you have at least double the kit for your current number of hives?
Hive configuration
Did you put a super under the brood box for the winter? Think about the best time to reconfigure the hive
Other
Losses can still be high this month.
Winter bees are dying off now and hopefully being replaced
A failing queen or disease may mean the hoped for build up never happens
Stay vigilant for any yellow-legged Asian hornet queens.
