Welcome

The queen will start to lay eggs in a small grouping again late this month as the temperatures begin to slowly rise. It will be small and in the center of the cluster but will grow over time as the season progresses. The size of the brood cluster depends directly on temperature; as it gets warmer, the bees inside the hive are able to move around and utilize their honey stores for the new brood. During February the bees may consume as much as 2 pounds per day - so make sure they have plenty of honey still stored or you will need to start feeding to build up for the spring.

As the weather warms and the bees start flying, you may want to take the opportunity to talk with your neighbors about the cleansing flights your bees are taking. Suggest that they don't hang any laundry out on those first warm days to prevent the inevitable staining. Explaining the need for the bees to take cleansing flights may earn you a sympathetic neighbor, especially if presented with a little honey or honey-baked goody.

Identify your needs for the upcoming season - how many supers, frames, bee packages, etc will you need to meet your needs? Order with plenty of time to pick up, assemble, and paint your new equipment BEFORE new packages arrive. When purchasing paint, remember to ask for returned cans of miss mix paints, you can usually get these for a better price than new cans and they work just as well.

Make sure the hives have enough honey or feed to survive until spring. Either carefully lift the hive and see if it feels heavy or carefully check the hive on a warm day when the bees are flying.