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.
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.
Every beekeeper runs into surprises—whether it’s specks floating in your honey, a brood box you wish you’d sized differently, or a split that just won’t take off. In this Q&A, we tackle some of the most common hive challenges with practical, straightforward solutions you can put to use right away.
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.
