How I keep bees (summary)

Spring

Look for swarm cells. If found, move cells into two frame mating nuc and make more queens

Create splits into 5-frame nuc and 2-frame nuc. I purchase queens from Lappe Bee Supply(mail order). Starting to graf my own queens.

10 frame Single brood box with queen excluder. Need to make sure queen has room to lay.

Take extra spring honey. This is honey my customers want the most.

Add Supers

Mite check. Treat with Formic Pro if needed.

Feed 1:1 sugar water if you need bees to draw out comb

Summer

Mite Check. Treat if needed. I have not needed to treat in the summer yet.

Feed bees if needed

Check for swarm cells

Add Honey Supers. Make sure hive is strong before adding super.

Late Summer/Early Fall

Feed if needed. 1:1 sugar : water

Mite Check. Treat all hives with Formic Pro when temp is acceptable.

Ref link to Michigan State University Beekeeping: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=km541EtCjbY&t=3547s

Feed if needed

Fall (Winter prep)

Last chance to feed 2:1 sugar water

Remove empty honey supers

Remove Queen excluders

Move honey to hives that need it.

Add moisture board and foam insulation under telescoping cover.

Add 1”-2” shim under moister board. This leave space to add emergency sugar blocks.

Winter

Pray that you did everything you can (even if you normal don’t)

On a warm day, bees flying, you might treat with Oxalic vapor. Knock down mites