Here is an example of the different tasks that you will undertake over the U.K. beekeeping season. Note how short our season is and the fact that once summer is here in July – August our beekeeping season is drawing to a close.

Beekeeping

Tasks
Jan
  • Check hives after storms
  • Check bees are flying on sunny days
  • Heft hives to check for stores
  • If snowed clear entrance
  • Ensure mouse guards are in place
  • Clear any dead bees away from entrance

Beekeeping

Tasks
Feb
  • Check hive anchors intact
  • Check mouse guards
  • Queen might start to lay
  • Heft hive and feed if needed
  • Start preparing equipment
  • Make sure bees can access water

Beekeeping

Tasks
March
  • Check bees are flying on sunny days
  • Check bees are bringing back pollen
  • Heft hive and feed if needed
  • Prepare new brood frames
  • Prepare honey frames and supers
  • If weather above 14 degrees inspect hive

Beekeeping

Tasks
April
  • Once weather settles, start inspections
  • Ensure Queen is marked
  • Add Queen excluder
  • Add honey super
  • Check for swarm cells
  • Keep records of everything you see

Beekeeping

Tasks
May
  • Continue inspections and record keeping
  • Remove all tank feeders
  • Add supers to give bees room
  • Watch for Oil Seed Rape
  • Be prepared for swarms
  • If possible make splits

Beekeeping

Tasks
June
  • Remove any honey and fit new supers
  • Extract honey and bottle
  • Carry on inspections
  • Watch out for the June Gap
  • Collect and hive swarms
  • Keep records of inspections

Beekeeping

Tasks
July
  • Colony has peaked and egg laying will slow
  • Reduce entrances to prevent robbing
  • Remove excess honey and process
  • Still opportunities for splits
  • Carry on inspections and record keeping
  • Prepare wasp traps

Beekeeping

Tasks
Aug
  • Winter preparations begin
  • Remove supers and extract them
  • Check bees have enough stores
  • Turn brood frames cold way around
  • Keep hive bee tight to stop robbing
  • Clean supers and put into storage

Beekeeping

Tasks
Sept
  • Bees feeding on Himalayan Balsam and Ivy
  • Remove Queen excluder
  • Fit tank feeders on top of brood box
  • Heft hives
  • Make sure enough stores
  • Remove Queen excluder

Beekeeping

Tasks
Oct
  • Monitor and empty/refill wasp traps
  • Fit a mouse guard
  • Heft hive
  • Feed if needed
  • Ratchet strap hive together tightly
  • Ensure hives are anchored for high wind

Beekeeping

Tasks
Nov
  • Ensure good ventilation
  • Protect against woodpeckers
  • Protect against other wildlife
  • Wasps should start to die off
  • Do not disturb the bees
  • Check hive anchors, prepare for wind

Beekeeping

Tasks
Dec
  • Start a beekeeping course
  • Keep a check on your hives
  • After bad weather check again
  • Keep entrance clear of debris or snow
  • Plan equipment purchases for Jan sales
  • Review this season’s records