Winter preparation is in full swing with the focus on ensuring a strong colony with ample stores. If you're feeding 1:1 syrup, this month we'll wean them off (remember, 1:1 stimulates drawing comb and has a higher water content - meaning it will take more energy to convert it to stored honey).

New Hives:

• Inspect the hive weekly or bimonthly, looking for the Queen and eggs.

• SLOWLY wean your hive(s) off 1:1 sugar syrup.

• Perform a mite count and treat accordingly.

Overwintered Hives:

• Pull any remaining (empty) honey supers from the hives.

• Check the hive weight.

• Begin feeding 2:1 sugar syrup (Add lemongrass oil, Honey-B-Healthy, etc.).

• Perform a mite count and treat accordingly.