May is the month forbeekeepers . Many regions around the land are experiencing the last of the cold time of year , and with it , the last frost dates . The forcefulness and weaknesses of surviving hives is depict in full luminousness . If they ’re strong and you ’re a bit too slow , they ’ll farm quickly and bees will swarm decently under your nose . Beekeeping is not a attainment that postulate wide work throughout the twelvemonth , but it does require immaculate timing . May is the month of timing . If you get your timing decently this month , it set the timber for the whole year . Here are four apiary task you ’ll want to perform this calendar month to get a good start to the yr .
1. Swarm Prevention
When a settlement of bees casts off aswarm , several thousand bees take the original , fertile queen away from the “ mother ” beehive in search of a raw home . This is the Apis mellifera ’s natural way of propagation . While in flight , and while clustered in their landing spot , a swarm is docile and soft . With no honey , no brood and no home to maintain , they ’re the least peril they will likely ever be in their lifetimes . Although it gets a forged strike , swarming is a terrific thing . Most significantly , it ’s an indication that the colony is strong , and we should always rejoice in potent , goodly honeybee populations , even if they are an worriment to the beekeeper .
However , there are a few apiary chores you could perform to keep your bees tight to home . Conduct unconstipated inspections to contain for swarming activity . Cramped bees , honeybound bee or a dependency that has grown out of the confines of the beehive you ’ve provided are all more likely to swarm . tote up additional supers , render them mass of blank to keep them busy and keep the world-beater moving upwards . Once you see cloud mobile phone , however , the plan is in motion . You may be able-bodied to thwart it by polish off say cells , or you may continue on with the tasks for the month .
2. Regular Inspections
horde bar is commonly the spring apiculturist ’s main concern , but it ’s not necessarily the most important one . It ’s decisive to conduct regularhive inspectionsduring the month of May to supervise levels of varroa mites , stores of dearest and type of honey number in , and overall growth . Of course , you ’re also monitor for signal of swarming ( such as those above ) , and being proactive by giving your strong hive quite a little of space to keep them interested in mystify around .
eating usually is n’t necessary at this time of year , but infirm hive and nucleus colonies may necessitate a leg up — a dependency can still starve within a few short week at the tail end of winter , specially if you live in a realm where April and May are still rather stale . If you find yourself feeding bees , think of that it ’s always best to give them their own food : honey . Sugar syrup is cracking in a pinch , but always keep around a mo of honey to give to athirst bees .
3. Swarm Preparation
If you feel well-heeled becharm swarms , now is a wonderful time to prepare to be on the search for wayward bee . With price for bee computer software well over $ 100 this year , a swarm of bees is a wonderful way to add to your apiary and write stateless honeybees . Many hobby - kept honeybee hives are located in residential , suburban and even urban areas , and when a horde take off from one of them , they are unlikely to find good lodging . Instead , they will take up residence wherever it fit them in a 3 - mile radius — guess your neighbour ’s grille , the corner brownstone ’s attic space , an old garage or chicken coop .
Have swarm gear at the ready . Be prepared with horde traps and nucleus box in your arsenal , and better yet , keep them in the gondola with you , should you get “ the call . ” Also have protective clothing on hired man , such as a veil , crownwork and glove , in your fomite . Remember to advertise your services too soon , giving your phone act and other contact info to as many local businesses as you feel comfortable . lay out up drove traps in your area and around apiaries — with permit from the beekeeper of grade .
4. Repair Or Buy New Equipment
Ideally , you ’ve purchased or exchange your drawn and broken equipment by now , but it ’s never too late to have new woodenware standing by . Give a thoroughgoing review to any pieces not presently in purpose , and pick the broken and diseased equipment . Popular items , such as medium and brood frames with wax , medium and brood boxes , and nucleus box may be on backorder due to the demand of the season , so talk to your supplier before long .
May is an absolutely thrilling meter to be a beekeeper . It ’s a joy to see the mankind wake up , plough green , and revel in the blossoms all around us , knowing they provide nourishment and sustenance for our mission . With a few apiary chore out of the way , you ’ll be able to enjoy a time of year filled with pollination and beloved .
