The Beekeeper’s Calendar | Month-by-Month Hive Management Guide

Beekeeping is a year-round commitment that requires careful planning and attention to seasonal changes. Each month presents new challenges and opportunities for managing a healthy, thriving hive. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced beekeeper, understanding the seasonal cycle of hive care can help you stay ahead of potential issues and maximize honey production.

Below is a month-by-month breakdown of essential hive tasks to keep your bees in top condition throughout the year.

January – Winter Survival Check

Hive Tasks:

• Conduct quick, minimal-disturbance hive inspections on warmer days (above 10°C/50°F).

• Ensure the bees have enough stored honey or supplemental feed (fondant, sugar bricks, or dry sugar).

• Check for moisture buildup and improve ventilation if necessary by propping up the hive cover slightly.

• Keep entrance reducers in place to prevent cold drafts and pests like mice from entering the hive.

• Observe hive activity from the outside—dead bees near the entrance are normal, but a complete lack of activity may indicate colony loss.

February – Preparing for Early Brood Rearing

Hive Tasks:

• On mild days, do a quick inspection to check for signs of brood rearing.

• Continue supplemental feeding if needed, as food stores may be running low.

• Scrape off excess propolis or debris blocking ventilation.

• Monitor hive weight—bees consume more honey as they start increasing brood production.

• Plan for early pollen sources, such as planting crocus, snowdrops, and other early bloomers.

March – First Full Hive Inspection

Hive Tasks:

• Conduct the first detailed hive inspection of the year on a warm day.

• Look for brood pattern and a healthy queen. If no eggs or larvae are found, consider requeening.

• Check for signs of disease, mites, or other pests.

• Remove winter wraps or insulation gradually as temperatures rise.

• Begin feeding pollen patties to stimulate colony buildup if natural pollen is scarce.

April – Spring Build-Up Begins

Hive Tasks:

• Expand the brood nest by adding more frames if necessary.

• Ensure adequate food stores as brood rearing accelerates.

• Swap out old or damaged comb for fresh foundation.

• Inspect for signs of swarming behavior, such as queen cells.

• Consider placing supers if nectar flow begins early in your region.

May – Swarm Prevention & Hive Growth

Hive Tasks:

• Add supers as needed to provide space for honey storage.

• Monitor closely for swarming signs—split strong colonies if necessary.

• Remove entrance reducers as temperatures rise and activity increases.

• If requeening is necessary, this is a good time to introduce a new queen.

• Encourage diverse foraging by planting bee-friendly flowers.

June – Peak Foraging & Honey Production

Hive Tasks:

• Continue inspecting for swarm cells and remove them if necessary.

• Harvest early-season honey if frames are fully capped.

• Ensure the queen has space for laying—move full honey frames to another part of the hive if needed.

• Provide ample water sources near the hive to prevent dehydration.

• Watch for signs of pests like small hive beetles or wax moths.

July – Honey Harvesting & Mite Checks

Hive Tasks:

• Harvest summer honey and leave enough for the colony to sustain itself.

• Test for varroa mites and implement treatment strategies if needed.

• Ventilate the hive properly to prevent excessive heat buildup.

• Reduce excessive bee congestion to prevent late-season swarms.

• Provide additional nectar sources if there’s a dearth in your region.

August – Late Summer Hive Management

Hive Tasks:

• Conduct a thorough hive inspection to check queen performance.

• Begin reducing the hive entrance if robbing becomes an issue.

• Keep an eye on honey stores as nectar flow slows down.

• Prepare for fall feeding if colonies seem weak or low on food.

• Monitor and control varroa mites before winter sets in.

September – Fall Preparations Begin

Hive Tasks:

• Conduct the last major hive inspection before winter.

• Remove supers (if not needed) and consolidate frames to reduce excess space.

• Begin feeding sugar syrup (2:1 ratio) if honey reserves are low.

• Ensure ventilation is adequate to prevent condensation inside the hive.

• Look for signs of failing queens and requeen if necessary.

October – Winterizing the Hive

Hive Tasks:

• Insulate or wrap hives if necessary for your climate.

• Install mouse guards to keep rodents out.

• Reduce entrances to prevent drafts.

• Secure hive lids against strong winds.

• Stop liquid feeding and switch to solid sugar sources if needed.

November – Final Pre-Winter Check

Hive Tasks:

• Avoid opening the hive unless absolutely necessary.

• Provide additional windbreaks to shield the hive from harsh weather.

• Check external hive activity on mild days.

• Make sure hive stands are stable and elevated above damp ground.

• Take note of hive weight to assess food reserves.

December – Minimal Intervention & Monitoring

Hive Tasks:

• Perform hands-off monitoring—avoid disturbing the hive.

• Listen to the hive using a stethoscope or knock gently to hear buzzing inside.

• Clear entrance holes of snow or ice to allow for airflow.

• Start planning for the upcoming beekeeping season (ordering equipment, seeds, or new colonies).

Beekeeping success relies on careful, seasonally appropriate hive management. By following this month-by-month guide, you can ensure that your bees remain healthy, productive, and well-prepared for each new season.

Whether it’s swarm prevention in spring, honey harvesting in summer, mite control in autumn, or winter hive protection, staying proactive will lead to thriving colonies year after year.