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The Utah County Beekeepers Association Beekeeping Calendar for May |
| The Bees | ||||
The hive population is growing quickly; for existing
hives from last year, they may already be at 80% of their
strength, new hives will be building comb as fast as they
can. For existing hives from last year, it is critical that you
monitor and add supers as needed otherwise your hive
will swarm. When inspecting, look for swarm cells on the
bottom of frames. Remove them if you can but your best |
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| The Beekeeper | ||||
| Monitor your hives to prevent swarming on existing
hives. For new hives check every other week or so to
ensure that the queen is laying and the bees are drawing
out the foundation completely. If you have been feeding, be sure to keep feeding until you place a honey super on the hive or when it appears the bees are no longer taking the feed. For existing hives, you may be able to put a honey super on now or by mid-month. Even new packages should have the second brood box on by the end of the month. If you haven't already, consider treatment options for both Varrora and tracheal mites BEFORE putting honey supers on the hive, you cannot have medications in the hive when the bees are collecting honey for human consumption. New hives probably don’t need to be treated until the fall so don't worry until after the first harvest about treating. All beekeepers need to research and pursue treatment options before a problem arises. |