How to Care for Bees in the First Year

This is also a good guideline for the care of your bees year after year.

Things You'll Need

  • Bee Brushes
  • Bee Smokers
  • Boardman Entrance Feeders
  • Comb Foundations
  • Deep Supers
  • Entrance Reducer
  • Hive Tools
  • Protective Clothing
  • Bee Veils
  • Granulated Sugar
  • Water
  • 5-gallon Plastic Food Grade Buckets
  • Canvas Tool Caddies
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Instructions

  1. Winter Care

    • 1

      Check the queen. Make sure she is healthy and strong.

    • 2

      Check to see that there are plenty of bees in the hive to keep the queen warm.

    • 3

      Reduce the lower entrance to a 1-inch space.

    • 4

      Make sure the hive is protected from strong winter winds and is exposed to southern sun for warmth if you live in a cold area.

    Spring Care

    • 5

      Prepare sugar water. Feed bees until honey flow begins.

    • 6

      Remove sugar water feeder after honey flow begins or when the flowers, trees, or bushes in your area start to bloom.

    • 7

      Light your smoker.

    • 8

      Put on your protective bee clothing and veil.

    • 9

      Smoke clothing and hive.

    • 10

      Remove the top cover of the hive.

    • 11

      Check the foundation to see if the bees are making comb to store honey.

    • 12

      Place the top back on the hive.

    • 13

      Remove the entrance block from the front of the hive. This will allow air to flow into the hive, keeping it cooler in the hotter months.

    Summer Care

    • 14

      Gather your beekeeping equipment and wear protective clothing.

    • 15

      Light the smoker.

    • 16

      Lightly smoke your clothing and the hive.

    • 17

      Remove the top cover of the hive and examine the foundation.

    • 18

      Add a super when six of the frames are capped.

    • 19

      Place the top back on the new super.