Spring is an exciting time for beekeepers as the days grow longer, flowers bloom, and bee colonies begin to flourish once again. However, after a long winter, it's important to carry out a thorough check of your hives to ensure your bees are healthy and ready for the busy months ahead. A well-prepared beekeeper will help their colonies thrive, producing high-quality honey while keeping their bees in top condition.

At Freeman & Harding, we have worked closely with British beekeepers for many years, providing high-quality glass jars and buckets for honey storage, and we have seen just how rewarding beekeeping can be as a hobby. So whether you're an experienced beekeeper or you're just starting out, our team has put together this helpful guide to everything you should do with your bees once spring arrives.

When Should You Open Bee Hives In The Spring?

Timing is everything when it comes to opening your hives in the spring. If you open them too early, you risk exposing your colony to cold temperatures, which can be detrimental to their survival. The best time to check your bees is when daytime temperatures are consistently above ten degrees Celsius, as this ensures your colony is active and able to maintain its internal hive temperature.

A good indicator that it's time to inspect is when you see bees actively flying in and out of the hive, collecting early nectar and pollen from spring blossoms. It's also wise to inspect when foraging bees are out in the middle of the day, making it easier to check the frames and assess colony health. Whether you're a business owner or hobbyist, one of the essential parts in beekeeping is collecting the honey, and at Freeman & Harding, we offer a wide variety of glass jars and bottles to assist with that. Get in touch now for more information on our stock.

Check for Parasites and Diseases

Spring is the perfect time to inspect your bees for signs of parasites and diseases that could weaken or even destroy your colony. One of the biggest threats to honey bee health is the Varroa mite, which can rapidly spread viruses and weaken the hive. Look for mites on adult bees and within the brood cells. If you spot signs of infestation, consider using an approved Varroa treatment to keep the population in check. Additionally, inspect for symptoms of common bee diseases such as European Foulbrood (EFB), which presents as sunken, discoloured, or foul-smelling brood. Chalkbrood, Nosema, and Dysentery can also emerge in early spring. Keeping a close eye on colony health and taking swift action when needed will prevent minor issues from escalating into full-blown outbreaks.

Monitor Queen Activity

The queen is the heart of the hive, and her health directly affects colony productivity. During your spring inspection, check for a strong brood pattern with eggs, larvae, and capped cells. If you notice an irregular brood pattern, missing eggs, or a lack of new larvae, your queen may not be performing as she should. In some cases, she may need to be replaced. Also, look for queen cells, which indicate that the colony might be preparing to swarm. If you find multiple queen cells, your bees may be planning to leave, and you may need to take action to prevent losing half of your colony. Providing additional space or splitting the hive can help manage swarm tendencies.

Perform Hive Maintenance

After months of winter wear and tear, spring is an ideal time to conduct general hive maintenance. Start by checking the condition of the hive body, frames, and foundation. Look for any signs of mould, moisture damage, or cracked wood that may compromise the structure. Replace any broken frames or combs that appear old or overly dark, as these can harbour disease and parasites. Take time to clean the bottom board and remove any debris or dead bees that may have accumulated over the winter. If you use a screened bottom board, ensure it's clear of obstructions to ensure proper ventilation. Additionally, ensure your hive entrance is free of blockages so bees can move in and out quickly.

For more information, contact Freeman & Harding today

Ensuring your bees have a strong start in the spring is essential for a productive season. Following this checklist can help your colonies stay healthy, prevent common issues, and maximise your honey harvest. Freeman & Harding provides high-quality glass honey jarsand plastic honey buckets to support your beekeeping journey, which is perfect for storing and selling your honey. If you want the best honey packaging solutions, explore our range today or contact us for expert advice. We're here to help you find the perfect containers for your beekeeping needs!