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January Monthly Tips

  1. In most years, the majority of beekeepers in southern states will begin noticing
    bees bringing in small amounts of pollen on warm days at the very end of
    January.
  2. Queens will begin laying in most areas in mid- to late January. As the population
    begins to grow, the need for food grows as well.
  3. Continue feeding pollen substitute in soft bricks, patties, or open dry feeding.
    This will ensure your hive has sufficient food available to continue rearing brood,
    regardless of the constantly changing weather this time of year.
  4. If your hive has less than 30 pounds of excess honey stored, begin feeding small
    amounts of syrup (one pint per hive per week) to ensure that the bees have the
    food necessary to rear brood.
  5. If your hive has three frames of bees or less, join them with another hive using
    the newspaper method. Kill the queen in the weak hive and remove the lid of the
    hive you are going to join the old hive with. Place a sheet of newspaper over the
    hive, then place the box containing the bees from the weaker hive directly on top
    of the newspaper. Over a period of days, the bees will chew through the
    newspaper and merge into one hive. This slow method of joining helps prevent
    fighting between the two hives.
  6. It is perfectly normal at this time of year to notice a few dozen dead bees in front
    of your hive. This is considered normal as winter bees begin to die off and are
    replaced by the next generation.
  7. January marks the beginning of testing for Varroa mites. If you have more than
    two mites per 100 bees, then you will need to treat. Most treatments are
    extremely effective this time of year when the hive has little to no brood.
  8. Quick (30-second) looks into your hive are acceptable even if the weather is near
    freezing. Longer, several-minute-long inspections should be reserved for days
    above 55 degrees.
  9. For below-average cold years, pay very close attention to food stores. Light hives
    will starve. Feeding sugar bricks will help ensure their survival.
  10. Now is the time to order your bees and queens! Ordering early ensures you
    get the earliest pickup dates!
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