October Field Notes

IN THE HIVE:
- In the middle of the month, bees start to form their winter cluster at around 50 degrees F.
- The bees will still look for food outside the hive on the warm days and rob other hives that are open or unprotected. 
- There will be hardly any egg laying if at all this month. Drone population will dwindle from either dying off or being forcibly removed by the female bees.

INSPECTIONS & NUTRITION:
- There should be at least 70-90 pounds of honey for the bees to eat in a full sized colony now.
- As in the previous 2 months, you can feed the bees. Change to a sugar syrup of 2:1 ratio. This is a thicker ration than what you feed in the spring. The thicker syrup will help the bees to evaporate moisture from the hive faster. 
- The bees need at least 2 double sided frames of pollen stored by late winter and early spring. 

PEST MANAGEMENT:
- The number of Varroa mites per 100 to signal for treatments increases to 3 mites per 100 bees this time of year.
- Make sure no Varroa mite chemical treatments remain in the hives before you winterize them. 
- Check all frames for American Foulbrood.
- Place mouse guards on the hives at this time. 
- Add entrance reducers.

BEE YARD & ENVIRONMENT:
- Winter prep of equipment includes removing extra honey supers and queen excluders, and securing the hive cover with a strap or block.
- If regular supers haven't been filled, remove them now.
- If you plan to insulate the hives, ensure whatever method you use will not cause moisture build-up in the hive. There must be an upper entrance open for escape.
- If insulating, tilt the hive forward a few degrees, allowing excess moisture to drain out the bottom entrance.
- You might need to set up a wind break near your hives.
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BLOOMING NOW:
There are still a few dwindling plants in bloom, especially asters of all varieties. 

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