Early spring beekeeping tasks in the apiary

Winter care for bee colonies ends with the first cleansing flight, after which equally important and responsible spring beekeeping tasks begin. The main goal during this period is to eliminate the negative effects of how bees survived the cold season.

When to start the first cleansing flight and what to do

As spring approaches, bee colonies become more restless, easily excited, and produce more noise. If hives are kept indoors during winter, it is crucial to prevent overheating, as excessive warmth can cause diarrhea and массовая гибель пчёл (mass bee mortality). Another reason for increased noise is food crystallization. In such cases, bees should be given water as soon as possible or a few handfuls of snow placed inside the hive.

The awakening of bees is gradual and can take several days or even weeks. Typically, this process begins in late February or early March and continues until mid-April, depending on weather conditions. During this time, it is essential to monitor food supplies in the hive and inspect for mold, condensation, and the number of dead bees.

The first cleansing flight should occur when the air temperature rises above +10°C (50°F). If the spring is cold and damp, it is better to delay it as long as possible.

What to look for during bee inspection

The first quick inspection is carried out about 2–2.5 hours after the mass flight. The hive entrance should be reduced to about 1 cm. The beekeeper should quickly assess the condition of the colony, remove dead bees, replace heavily soiled or moldy combs, add extra food frames if necessary, and reduce and insulate the nest.

Colonies that did not overwinter well can be identified by their behavior. Bees with swollen abdomens move slowly and defecate immediately, indicating poor-quality food or nosema disease (Nosematosis).

Weak or sick bees may crawl chaotically on the hive or fly irregularly, which may indicate the loss of a queen. If bees take off but fall immediately, it may signal acarapidosis (tracheal mite disease).

A full inspection and disease prevention (including installation of Varroa mite treatment strips) should be performed when temperatures exceed +14°C (57°F), usually in mid to late April.

Hive insulation in early spring

After the first flight, hive insulation is essential to help bees maintain the optimal brood temperature of +34°C (93°F). Without proper insulation, bees may still produce brood, but it will be weak and non-viable.

Temperatures inside the hive must not drop to +28°C or rise to 37.9–38.3°C, as this can lead to the death of the colony during development stages.

To improve insulation, place 8–10 layers of paper or newspapers over the nest, or replace the inner cover with plastic film. Other insulating materials can also be used.

It is well known that polyurethane (PPU) beehives retain heat better than wooden ones. Bees overwinter more comfortably in such hives and recover faster in spring.

Where to buy quality beehives

The company CraftOil offers a wide range of beekeeping equipment and supplies. Our catalog includes durable and practical polyurethane beehives of various sizes, as well as hive bodies and bottoms.

Our popular models include 10-frame PPU beehive (30 mm), 10-frame PPU hive (145 mm), 10-frame PPU hive (230 mm).  These hives are easy to expand, resistant to temperature fluctuations, moisture, and sunlight, making them ideal for healthy bee colonies.

In addition, CraftOil offers a selection of natural vegetable oils, oil presses for home production, and flour made at certified mills.

To learn more about our beekeeping products, choose the right hive, or order oil, please leave a request on our website.