To strengthen the management of bee colonies in autumn
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Autumn beekeeping is a crucial period that sets the stage for successful winter survival and early spring brood development. The goal is to ensure strong, healthy colonies with excellent queen performance, high population density, and sufficient food reserves. Here's a detailed guide to effective autumn management:
1. **Honey Harvesting**
When flowers are in full bloom, it's important to shake out honey every 2–4 days. On good weather days, remove most of the honey from the hive, leaving only enough for the bees to sustain themselves. In poor weather, leave some feed honey to support the colony.
2. **Queen Replacement**
Fall is an ideal time to raise new, high-quality queen bees. Replace the old queen to establish a double-queen system, which can help maintain egg-laying activity until the end of the season.
3. **Rearing Winter Bees**
Bees hatched after the White Dew (a traditional Chinese solar term) are best suited for winter survival. Ensure a stable nectar source during late autumn using the "honey-spleen method." If the nectar flow ends early, move the hives to areas with ongoing honey production.
4. **Feeding Winter Food**
Adjust feeding based on local conditions. After the wintering preparations are complete, mix sugar and water in a 1:0.6 ratio. Feed the bees within 2–3 days to ensure they have enough energy for the cold months.
5. **Preventing Robbing**
Robbing by other bees often happens at the end of the nectar season. Reduce hive entrances and conduct inspections in the morning and evening. If robbing occurs, return the stolen bees to their hives and place them in a dark room. Use empty boxes to collect older bees and relocate them if necessary. Keep the apiary free of excess honey and dew.
6. **Pest Control**
Autumn brings increased mite infestations and bee aggression. Perform two rounds of treatment: the first before raising winter bees, and the second as colonies enter winter and during the initial stages of natural swarming.
7. **Removing Brood**
Once winter bees are raised, it’s time to break the brood cycle. Increase the hive space by 15–20 mm, raise pollen stores, and remove large honey-filled combs. Force the queen to lay eggs early and encourage early colonization by the worker bees.
By following these steps, beekeepers can ensure their colonies remain strong, healthy, and ready for the challenges of winter and the upcoming spring season.