As spring approaches, colonies often shift upward in the hive, crowding the brood nest. Reversing brood boxes moves the nest back to the bottom, giving the queen room to expand.
It can help—but only if the brood isn’t already spread across both boxes. Too early? Risk chilled brood. Too late? Risk swarming. Check your colony, read the situation, and reverse only if it truly makes sense.
Even in late fall, it’s important to take a quick look inside your hives. With just a few simple steps, you can safely check food stores and population without stressing the bees—even on chilly days. A fast 30-second inspection can reveal exactly how your colony is doing heading into winter.
When temperatures drop and nectar dries up, some colonies turn on their neighbors. If one hive is buzzing louder and flying more frantically than the rest, it’s not extra healthy—it’s likely under attack. Learn how to recognize robbing behavior, what to do if it happens, and how to prevent it next time.
Strengthening weaker colonies is one of the most rewarding skills in beekeeping—and one of the most practical. By transferring brood, bees, and even foragers from a booming hive to one that’s fallen behind, you can jumpstart recovery and set the stage for winter success.
Hive inspections don’t have to be overwhelming. Learn the difference between quick hive checks and full inspections, what to look for (like brood health, pests, and space needs), and how to take action based on what you find. Practical, seasonal tips to help you keep your colonies thriving year-round.
Learn how to help your bees survive the summer dearth with smart feeding, pollen supplements, and reliable water sources. Spot the signs of stress, prevent robbing, and keep your hive healthy through summer's toughest conditions.
