As discussed in previous blogs, the 2022-2023 winter has been unusual for Atlantic Canada, and uncommonly warm weather may have repercussions for resident honey bees. In this week’s blog, we will discuss spring beekeeping preparations with a focus on the potential implications of warm winter weather on colony management.
Spring Preparation
The 2022 fall was distinct in Atlantic Canada, with ambient temperatures
remaining warm as November progressed. This extended the timeframe during which
honey bees could consume and cure sugar syrup for the winter to come. However, as
the feeding period eventually ended, sporadic warm days persisted. This unusual weather created more potential
flying days for honey bees than seasonally typical. This means that foragers
may have been out flying and expending energy without the reward of nectar to support
their energy use.
It is important, now, to assess the food stores remaining in
your colonies. This can be done most easily and efficiently through the heft
test. By lifting colonies individually, beekeepers can assess how heavy they
are and estimate the remaining food supply. To lift hives, tilt them forward while
gripping the bottom board. A luggage scale can also be used for a more precise
measure. When food stores of a colony start to dip below 10kgs (20lbs) and
there is no impending nectar flow, it is time to consider emergency feeding. An
empty, double Langstroth hive, complete with 10 frames and honey bees, weighs
around 15kgs (35lbs). Therefore, when an overwintering hive weighs around 25kg,
it is time to feed.
In cold temperatures, less than 10°C, honey bees cannot consume and process liquid sugar syrup. Consequently, feeding below this temperature threshold requires a solid sugar form. Fondant is the most nutritionally available feeding option for a hungry winter colony. Best practice is to buy commercially prepared fondant. If you do choose to make your own, be sure to not overheat the sugar because this can be harmful to bees and lead to digestion issues. Once you begin to feed a colony, continue to monitor them until the nectar flow starts in earnest with the blooming of dandelions. Before this flow, early spring feeding using 1:1 sugar-water syrup can begin when daily temperatures start to exceed 10°C.
In cold temperatures, less than 10°C, honey bees cannot consume and process liquid sugar syrup. Consequently, feeding below this temperature threshold requires a solid sugar form. Fondant is the most nutritionally available feeding option for a hungry winter colony. Best practice is to buy commercially prepared fondant. If you do choose to make your own, be sure to not overheat the sugar because this can be harmful to bees and lead to digestion issues. Once you begin to feed a colony, continue to monitor them until the nectar flow starts in earnest with the blooming of dandelions. Before this flow, early spring feeding using 1:1 sugar-water syrup can begin when daily temperatures start to exceed 10°C.
Spring varroa mite management is important, as well. Varroa
mites are a major issue in beekeeping and led to devastating overwintering
losses in 2022 (Ferland, Wilson, and Nasr 2022). Using an integrated pest
management approach to keep varroa mite populations low throughout the
beekeeping season is the best way to manage mites in honey bee colonies. This
begins with monitoring as early as possible in the spring and continuing
monthly monitoring throughout the season. When mite levels exceed the economic
treatment threshold, treat colonies and test again to ensure the treatment was
successful. Alternating management options is important for maintaining miticide
integrity and delaying varroa mite resistance to powerful synthetic treatments,
such as Apivar®. See the ATTTA
factsheet Varroa Mite Management Options for Atlantic Canada for more
information.
So far, ATTTA has heard positive reports from local Atlantic
beekeepers checking their colonies. Remember that productive, healthy colonies
during the peak summer season are a reflection of diligent management
year-round!
Ferland, Julie, Geoff Wilson, and Medhat Nasr. 2022. “Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists Statement on Honey Bee Wintering Losses in Canada (2022).” Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists.
Fundamentals of Beekeeping!
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