Autumn beekeeping is a crucial period for preparing the hive for winter survival and early spring brood development. The goal is to ensure strong, healthy colonies with excellent queen bees, large numbers of worker bees, and high productivity. Proper management during this time can significantly impact the success of the following season.
1. **Honey Extraction**
When the nectar flow is strong, it's recommended to extract honey every 2–4 days. During good weather, most of the honey in the hive should be removed, leaving only enough as feed. In poor weather conditions, it’s better to leave some honey in the hive for the bees to consume.
2. **Queen Replacement**
A new, high-quality queen must be raised in the fall. Replacing the old queen with a new one can help maintain continuous egg-laying and improve colony performance. In some cases, a double-queen system may be used to extend the laying period.
3. **Rearing Winter Bees**
Bees that emerge after the White Dew (a traditional Chinese solar term) are ideal for winter survival. It's important to ensure a stable nectar source in late autumn. If nectar becomes scarce, consider moving the hives to areas with available forage to support the development of overwintering bees.
4. **Feeding Winter Food**
The timing of feeding depends on local conditions. After the wintering preparations are complete, feed the bees a sugar-to-water ratio of 1:0.6. It’s best to concentrate feeding within 2–3 days to avoid unnecessary energy expenditure.
5. **Preventing Robbing**
Robbing by other bees often occurs at the end of the nectar season. To prevent this, reduce hive entrances and perform inspections and feeding in the morning or evening. If robbing happens, 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 to reduce temptation.
6. **Pest Control**
During autumn, the risk of mite infestation increases. Two rounds of treatment are recommended: the first before rearing age-appropriate winter bees, and the second when the hives begin wintering and during the early stages of natural swarming.
7. **Removing Brood**
After the wintering bees are reared, it's time to break the brood. Increase the hive space by 15–20 mm, raise the pollen comb, and remove several honey-filled combs. This encourages the queen to lay eggs earlier and helps the colony prepare for the next season.
By following these steps, beekeepers can ensure their colonies remain strong, healthy, and ready for the challenges of winter and the upcoming spring.
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