September Buzz

Beekeeping tasks in Colorado during the months of September and October are crucial for ensuring the health and survival of honeybee colonies during the winter months. The specific tasks may vary depending on the local climate and the condition of your hives, but here is a general list of tasks that beekeepers in Colorado should consider during these months:

September:

1. Attend the HLBKC September Meeting to learn from other beekeepers and share your journey.
2. Harvest Honey: September is typically the time to harvest honey in Colorado. Be sure to leave enough honey in the hive for the bees to sustain themselves through the winter.
3. Inspect for Disease: Conduct a thorough hive inspection for signs of diseases such as American Foulbrood (AFB) and European Foulbrood (EFB). If you detect any issues, take appropriate measures.
4. Varroa Mite Treatment: Continue monitoring and treating for varroa mites if necessary. These parasites can be particularly harmful to bees in the fall and winter.
5. Reduce Hive Entrance: As the weather cools, reduce the hive entrance to prevent drafts and the entry of pests. This helps the bees conserve energy and maintain warmth.
6. Feed Bees if Needed: If your hives are light on honey stores, consider feeding the bees with sugar syrup or fondant. Ensure they have enough food to last through the winter.
7. Queen Assessment: Check the condition and performance of your queen. A strong, healthy queen is essential for a thriving colony.
8. Prepare Winter Hive Configuration: Ensure the hive has enough ventilation and insulation for the coming winter. Some beekeepers use hive wraps or insulating materials to help the bees stay warm.
9. Reduce Disturbances: Minimize disturbances to the hive. Avoid opening the hive too often, as this can cause stress to the bees and disrupt their winter preparations.

October:

1. Continue Monitoring: Keep an eye on the hive’s food stores, especially if the weather is warm enough for the bees to forage. Top up their food as needed.
2. Final Varroa Mite Treatment: If you’re using a late-season varroa mite treatment, October is the time to apply it. Ensure that mite levels are kept in check.
3. Prepare Winter Hive Wraps: If you’re using hive wraps or insulation, ensure they are in place before the temperatures drop significantly.
4. Ventilation and Moisture Control: Ensure the hive has adequate ventilation to prevent moisture buildup. Moisture can be deadly to bees in winter.
5. Remove Excess Equipment: Remove any unnecessary hive components, such as supers, that are not needed for the winter. This reduces the space the bees need to heat.
6. Final Hive Inspection: Conduct a final inspection to ensure the hive is in good condition for winter. Look for signs of pests or disease one last time.
7. Prepare Feeding Options: Have emergency feeding options ready if the bees run low on food during the winter. Emergency sugar bricks or fondant can be a lifesaver.
8. Winterize the Apiary: Ensure that your entire apiary is ready for winter. Secure hive covers and strap them down to prevent them from blowing off in strong winds.

Remember that beekeeping tasks can vary depending on local conditions and the specific needs of your hives. It’s essential to adapt your beekeeping practices to the unique characteristics of your apiary and the prevailing weather conditions in Colorado. Regular monitoring and proactive care are key to successful beekeeping in the fall and winter months.