 IN THE HIVE: -The cluster has moved to the top of the hive. -The queen starts laying or continues to lay a few eggs. INSPECTION & NUTRITION: -Don't open the hive this month. -Perform a quick external inspection, listen for the bees right up against the outside of the upper hive. Tap the outside of the hive, if necessary, to get a response. -If you must open the hive, wait until it is above 50 degrees and a windless day. -Risk of starvation is high in February. -If feeding is necessary, wait until it's above 50 degrees and use dry sugar or a candy board. -Some beekeepers retain frames of honey to use for feeding. Honey is the preferred food for bees, because it has the enzymes and vitamins that bees need. But whatever feeding method you use, in the winter, you've got to be able to get in and out of the hive quickly if you open it at all. Choose the safest method for the bees. EQUIPMENT & PEST MANAGEMENT: -Take inventory, make repairs, clean and sterilize, purchase new equipment, paint and assemble. -Purchase your bee packages and replacement queens for spring. -Check for pests nearby that are attracted to the warmth of the hive. BEE YARD & ENVIRONMENT: -Make sure the hive cover is secure. -Remove any ice blocking the hive entrance, but leave snow around the hive, it serves as insulation.  IN THE HIVE: -This is typically the coldest month for the hive. -Bees will not leave the hive unless its warm and sunny and above 50 degrees. -Dead bees may be seen outside of the hive, don't be alarmed. INSPECTIONS & NUTRITION: -Don't open the hive this month. -For a quick external inspection, listen for the bees right up against the outside of the upper hive. Tap the outside, if necessary, to get a response. -If you must open the hive, wait until it is above 50 degrees on a windless day. -If feeding is necessary, again, wait until it's above 50 degrees and use dry sugar or a candy board. EQUIPMENT: -Now is a great time to order your bees and any replacement queens. We have you covered! Simply click Buy Bees 2024. -Check equipment stores for pests. -Take inventory, clean and repair any equipment, purchase new equipment. Paint and assemble as needed. -If you are looking to expand your apiary this year, purchase extra hive equipment in case you catch a swarm this summer. BEE YARD & ENVIRONMENT: Make sure your hive cover is secure. -Remove any ice blocking the hive entrance, but leave snow around the hive because it will serve as insulation. BONUS TIP: Expand your knowledge and have fun by attending a WLBA club meeting. Attend the Bee School in February 2024! We're thrilled to announce that pre-orders for our renowned Italian Honeybees are officially open for the 2024 season! Whether you're a seasoned beekeeper looking to expand your apiary or a budding enthusiast embarking on your honeybee journey, there's never been a better time to welcome these vibrant pollinators into your life.
Why Italian Honeybees? Italian honeybees are prized for their gentle temperament, prolific honey production, and exceptional disease resistance. These qualities make them ideal for beekeepers of all experience levels, ensuring a rewarding and enriching beekeeping experience. What's New for 2024? We're committed to continuously improving your beekeeping experience. This year, we've streamlined our ordering process, making it easier than ever to secure your Italian honeybees:
Simply click Buy Bees 2024 in our menu bar to be directed to the dedicated order page. There, you'll find detailed information about our offerings and convenient pre-order options. Don't miss out on the opportunity to welcome these remarkable Italian honeybees into your apiary! We're confident they'll reward you with bountiful honey harvests, endless fascination, and a deeper connection to the natural world. As we look to start another great year, we are excited to take on a fresh new look on our website. Watch for new posts, articles, recipes, meeting info and details about ordering bees for 2024!
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