Month-by-Month Schedule

This schedule is built specifically for managing two-deep Langstroth hives without a queen excluder in Salem, Utah. Salem sits at roughly 4,950 feet in Utah Valley, which means spring arrives about two weeks later than Salt Lake City and the main honey flow depends on irrigated alfalfa and clover rather than urban landscape plantings. Every task, timing window, and threshold below has been adjusted for Salem's elevation, climate, and local forage calendar. Use this as your roadmap through the beekeeping year, and adjust as conditions change from season to season.

January

winter

Colony State

The colony is in a tight winter cluster, conserving energy and slowly consuming stored honey. The queen has either stopped laying entirely or is maintaining a very small patch of brood in the center of the cluster. Bees generate heat by vibrating their flight muscles, keeping the cluster core around 92-95°F even as outside temperatures drop well below freezing. The cluster moves slowly across the frames to access honey stores. Population is at its annual low, typically 10,000-15,000 bees. Mortality from natural attrition continues, and you may see dead bees accumulating on the bottom board.

Inspection Frequency: Do not open the hive. External observation only — check entrance, tilt for weight, listen.

Swarm Risk: No Risk

Mite Testing Notes

No mite testing in January. If you treated with oxalic acid vaporization in December during the broodless period, that treatment is still providing benefit. Do not disturb the cluster for mite monitoring.

Honey Management

Do not harvest any honey. The colony is living on its stored reserves. If the hive feels light when you tilt it from the back, consider placing a fondant patty or sugar board on the inner cover as emergency feeding. Do not feed liquid syrup in winter — it introduces moisture and bees cannot process cold liquid.

Weather Cautions

January in Salem averages highs around 37°F and lows around 20°F, with occasional sub-zero cold snaps. Ensure hive entrances are not blocked by snow or dead bees. Heavy snow load on hive covers is not usually a problem but brush off accumulated ice. Strong inversions can trap cold air in Utah Valley for days — these extended cold periods are hardest on light or weak colonies.

Tasks

Clear entrance of dead bees and snow

High January 1-31 (as needed after storms)

What to Check

Dead bees piled at the entrance blocking airflow
Snow or ice covering the entrance
Moisture condensation on the landing board
Mouse droppings or chewed wax at the entrance indicating a mouse has entered

Actions

Use a twig or wire to clear dead bees from the entrance without disturbing the hive
Brush snow away from the entrance area
Verify mouse guard is still in place and has not shifted
Do this quickly — spend less than a minute at the hive

Warning Signs

No dead bees at all could mean the colony has died — put your ear to the hive and listen for a hum
Foul smell from the entrance may indicate a dead colony with fermenting stores
Shredded wax or comb debris at the entrance suggests mouse damage inside the hive

Notes

This is a quick external check, not an inspection. Do not remove the cover or break the propolis seal. The goal is simply to ensure the bees have airflow and are not sealed in.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

Salem winters are cold but generally not extreme. The biggest risk is prolonged cold inversions where temperatures stay below freezing for a week or more. These extended cold periods increase food consumption as the cluster works harder to stay warm.

Tilt-test hives for remaining food stores

High January 15-31

What to Check

How heavy the hive feels when you gently lift the back
Whether the weight has noticeably decreased since your last check
Any hive that feels light compared to others in the apiary

Actions

Gently grasp the back of the bottom board and tilt — a well-provisioned hive resists lifting
If a hive feels light (easy to tilt with one hand), it needs emergency feeding
Place a fondant patty or dry sugar (mountain camp method) on the inner cover for light hives
Note which hives feel heavy versus light so you can compare over time

Warning Signs

A very light hive in January may not survive until March without intervention
If the hive feels empty and you hear no buzzing, the colony may have starved
A hive that was heavy in December but is light in January consumed a lot of food during a cold spell

Notes

Weight checks are the single most useful winter monitoring technique. They tell you about food reserves without opening the hive. Develop a calibrated feel over time — practice on a hive with a known weight if possible.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

Salem colonies consume food faster during prolonged cold inversions. A colony that entered winter with adequate stores may become light if January has extended sub-freezing periods. Check weight at least twice in January.

Repair and prepare equipment for spring

Medium January 1-31

What to Check

Condition of spare hive bodies, supers, frames, and bottom boards
Foundation supply — do you have enough for spring expansion?
Smoker, hive tools, veils, and other inspection gear
Feeders — internal or top feeders for spring stimulative feeding

Actions

Scrape and clean spare equipment — remove old propolis, wax, and comb from unused boxes
Assemble frames and install foundation so they are ready when needed
Order any supplies you will need for spring: foundation, feeders, medication if appropriate
Repair or replace damaged equipment — cracked boxes, warped covers, torn screens

Warning Signs

Stored drawn comb showing wax moth damage — freeze for 48 hours and then store with moth prevention
Mouse damage to stored comb — prevent access to stored equipment

Notes

January is the ideal time for equipment work because the bees do not need you. Getting equipment ready now means you will not be scrambling in April when every spare moment should be spent with the bees.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

Order supplies from beekeeping suppliers in January — shipping times in spring can be long, and popular items (drawn comb frames, local queens) sell out quickly.

February

winter

Colony State

The colony remains clustered but the queen may begin slowly increasing her laying rate toward the end of the month as days lengthen. The cluster senses the increasing photoperiod and begins to prepare for spring, even while snow may still be on the ground. Bees will take cleansing flights on any day above 45-50°F, leaving yellow spots on the snow around the apiary. Food consumption may actually increase this month as the colony begins raising brood, which demands more energy and pollen. Population is still low but the trajectory is beginning to shift upward.

Inspection Frequency: Do not open the hive unless emergency feeding is needed. External observation and weight checks only.

Swarm Risk: No Risk

Forage Blooms

Mite Testing Notes

No mite testing in February. Mite population is at its annual low point, tracking the low brood levels. If you did a December oxalic acid treatment, mite levels should be minimal.

Honey Management

No honey harvest. Continue monitoring stores by weight. February is actually a dangerous month for starvation because the colony is starting to consume more as brood rearing ramps up, but no new nectar is available yet. Emergency fondant or dry sugar feeding if hives are light.

Weather Cautions

February in Salem can swing wildly — 55°F sunny days followed by snowstorms and single-digit nights. These false spring days get bees flying and may stimulate the queen, but cold snaps can then stress the colony. Do not be fooled by a warm stretch into thinking spring has arrived. Average highs are around 42°F, but individual days can reach 60°F or drop below 15°F.

Tasks

Continue weight monitoring — starvation risk increases

Critical February 1-28

What to Check

Hive weight compared to January — has consumption accelerated?
Any hive that tilts easily or feels hollow
Whether emergency feeding from January has been consumed

Actions

Check weight every 1-2 weeks by tilting
If a hive has consumed its emergency fondant, add more immediately
Consider adding a pollen substitute patty on warm days to support early brood rearing
Place fondant directly over the cluster hole in the inner cover for immediate access

Warning Signs

A previously heavy hive that is now light has burned through stores faster than expected
Dead bees with heads buried in cells at the entrance indicate starvation — the colony died reaching for food
No flying activity on a warm day (above 50°F) when other hives are active may indicate a dead colony

Notes

February and early March are peak starvation risk months. The colony is eating more as it starts brood rearing but has no incoming food. This is when colonies that entered winter marginal on stores are most likely to fail.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

Salem February days are often warm enough for bees to break cluster briefly, which actually increases food consumption. A colony that stays clustered in constant cold paradoxically uses less food than one that breaks cluster repeatedly on warm days.

Observe cleansing flights on warm days

Medium February 10-28 (any day above 45°F)

What to Check

Which hives have bees flying on warm days — this confirms the colony is alive
Yellow or brown fecal spots on the snow or landing board — normal cleansing behavior
Any hive with no flying activity on a day when others are active

Actions

Stand back and observe — do not open hives or disturb the bees
Note which hives show activity and which do not
Dead hives can be confirmed later; for now, just record observations
If pollen is available (early crocuses), note if any bees are bringing it in — a very positive sign

Warning Signs

No activity from a hive on a day when all others are flying strongly suggests the colony has died
Bees crawling on the ground unable to fly may indicate nosema or other disease issues
Large quantities of dead bees in front of one hive (far more than neighbors) may indicate a problem

Notes

Cleansing flights are one of the first positive signs of the year. Bees have been holding their waste all winter and need to defecate outside the hive. Seeing active flights is reassuring, but do not overreact to a single quiet hive — it may just have a smaller population that needs a warmer day to break cluster.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

February warm spells in Salem can reach the mid-50s or even 60s. These days bring out every colony that is alive. Use these days for observation, not intervention.

Plan your management goals for the 2026 season

Low February 1-28

What to Check

How many colonies survived winter so far?
Do you want to increase colony count this year (make splits)?
What are your honey production goals?
Do you need to order queens, packages, or nucs for spring?

Actions

Order queens or nucs now if you plan to replace winter losses — local suppliers sell out by March
Plan your mite management calendar for the entire season
Decide on your swarm management strategy before it is needed
Set up a record-keeping system if you do not already have one
Review what worked and what did not last season to avoid repeating mistakes

Notes

Planning is a winter activity that pays dividends all year. Beekeepers who enter spring with a clear plan for supering, splits, mite management, and harvest timing consistently outperform those who improvise week to week.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

Local Utah queen breeders and nuc producers take orders in January-February and deliver in April-May. If you need to replace winter losses, order early. Contact the Utah County Beekeepers Association for recommended local sources.

March

spring

Colony State

March is the transition month. The colony is emerging from winter mode as days lengthen past 11 hours and temperatures begin to moderate. The queen increases her laying rate, and the brood nest expands from a softball-sized patch to covering 2-3 frames by month end. Worker bees are cleaning cells, feeding larvae, and making orientation flights. Early pollen sources (crocuses, dandelions, elm, maple) begin providing crucial protein for brood rearing. However, cold nights and spring storms can still interrupt progress. The colony is drawing heavily on remaining stores to fuel this expansion. This is a vulnerable time — the colony is growing but has little incoming food.

Inspection Frequency: One brief inspection on a warm day (above 55°F) in mid-to-late March. Quick check for stores, queen status, and general condition.

Swarm Risk: No Risk

Forage Blooms

Mite Testing Notes

If you can open the hive on a warm day, pull a frame and do a quick visual check of drone brood (if any) by uncapping cells. A formal alcohol wash is ideal if temperatures cooperate, to establish a spring baseline. Mite levels should be very low; if they are elevated, treatment before supers go on is critical.

Honey Management

No harvest. The colony needs all of its remaining stores. If stores are low (fewer than 3 frames of honey), begin feeding 1:1 sugar syrup on warm days when bees can process it. Stimulative feeding with thin syrup can encourage brood rearing but do not overdo it — only feed if stores justify it.

Weather Cautions

March in Salem is highly variable: daytime highs can range from 40°F to 65°F within the same week. Nighttime lows still drop to the 20s and 30s. Late-season snowstorms are common. Do not open hives unless you have a solid 55°F+ day with at least 2 hours of warm weather ahead of you. A thorough inspection that chills open brood can set the colony back by a week.

Tasks

Conduct the first warm-day inspection of the year

High March 15-31 (first day above 55°F)

What to Check

Is the queen alive and laying? Look for eggs or very young larvae.
How many frames of bees are present? This tells you colony strength.
How many frames of capped honey remain? This tells you food security.
Is the brood pattern solid or spotty?
Any signs of disease — chalkbrood mummies, discolored brood, unusual smells?

Actions

Keep the inspection brief — 5-10 minutes maximum. Get in, assess, and get out.
If stores are low (fewer than 2 frames of honey), begin feeding 1:1 syrup immediately
If the colony is dead, close it up to prevent robbing and investigate the cause later
If the queen is not found but eggs are present, she is there — do not spend excessive time looking
Note colony strength (frames of bees) in your log for comparison over the season

Warning Signs

No eggs or larvae at all may indicate queenlessness — look carefully before concluding
A very small cluster (2-3 frames of bees) may not be viable without help — consider combining with a stronger colony
Heavy chalkbrood on the first inspection suggests the colony is stressed and may need requeening
Spotty brood pattern in March could just be early-season ramping; re-evaluate in April before acting

Notes

This first inspection sets your baseline for the year. You are answering three questions: Is the queen alive? Does the colony have food? Is the colony strong enough to build up on its own? Everything else can wait.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

In Salem, the first reliable inspection window usually falls in the third or fourth week of March. Do not force an inspection on a marginal day. If March stays cold, the first inspection may slide into early April — that is acceptable.

Feed colonies that are low on stores

Critical March 1-31

What to Check

Hive weight by tilt test — light hives need feeding
During inspection, count frames of capped honey remaining
Whether bees are consuming any fondant or dry sugar placed earlier in winter

Actions

For hives that cannot be opened (too cold), place fondant or a sugar board on the inner cover through the center hole
Once daytime temperatures reach 50°F+, switch to 1:1 sugar syrup in a top feeder or internal frame feeder
Feed continuously until natural forage is consistently available (usually late March to mid-April)
Add a pollen substitute patty near the brood nest to support accelerating brood production

Warning Signs

A colony that is not taking syrup on a warm day may be too weak, queenless, or dead
Rapid consumption of syrup (emptying a quart jar in 1-2 days) indicates very low stores — feed aggressively
Robbing at the feeder from other colonies — use an entrance reducer and ensure feeders are not accessible from outside

Notes

March starvation kills more colonies in Utah than any winter month. The colony is eating more because of brood rearing but has minimal incoming forage. Feeding in March is not a luxury — it is life support for colonies that are light.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

Salem March weather often includes cold nights (20s-30s) that prevent bees from accessing liquid syrup. On cold stretches, fondant or sugar boards are safer than syrup. Switch to syrup only when consistent above-freezing nights arrive.

Clean bottom boards and clear winter debris

Medium March 15-31

What to Check

Accumulation of dead bees, wax cappings, and debris on the bottom board
Mouse damage — chewed comb, nesting material, droppings
Moisture damage to the bottom board — rot, mold, standing water

Actions

Slide out the screened bottom board tray and scrape it clean
If using a solid bottom board, quickly tilt the hive forward and sweep out debris, or swap the bottom board entirely
Check for and remove any mouse nests if a mouse breached the guard
Verify the mouse guard is still secure — keep it on until mid-April

Warning Signs

Large amounts of chewed wax and comb fragments indicate mouse damage — inspect the comb inside at your next full inspection
Standing water or heavy mold on the bottom board indicates ventilation problems — consider adding an upper entrance

Notes

A clean bottom board improves ventilation and removes a source of mold and debris. This is a quick task that can be done even on a moderately warm day without fully opening the hive.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

In Salem, mouse guards should stay on through the end of March. Mice remain active in spring and will still attempt to enter hives. Remove mouse guards in mid-April when nighttime temperatures are consistently above 40°F.

April

spring

Colony State

April is when the colony shifts into rapid buildup mode. The queen is laying 1,000-1,500 eggs per day, and the brood nest expands to fill 5-7 frames across both deep boxes. Population is growing exponentially as waves of new bees emerge from the expanding brood nest. Fruit trees are blooming throughout the valley, providing abundant pollen and nectar that fuel the buildup. Drones begin appearing for the first time this year. The colony is transforming from a compact winter cluster into a bustling, growing organism. However, this rapid growth is exactly what creates swarm pressure if space is not managed proactively.

Inspection Frequency: Every 10-14 days. By late April, shift to every 7-10 days if the colony is strong and building quickly.

Swarm Risk: Moderate

Forage Blooms

Mite Testing Notes

Perform the first formal alcohol wash of the season in early-to-mid April. Establish your baseline. If the count exceeds 2 mites per 100 bees, treat immediately before adding honey supers. Spring treatment is the best time to knock mites down because it protects the growing brood nest and you have not yet added supers that complicate treatment.

Honey Management

Add honey supers to strong colonies by mid-to-late April. In a no-excluder setup, place the super directly on top of the upper deep. Drawn comb supers are strongly preferred. Watch for the colony to begin moving nectar up into the supers — this relieves brood nest congestion. Do not wait for the "main flow" to start — get supers on before the colony runs out of space.

Weather Cautions

April in Salem brings warming trends (average highs 58-62°F) but late frosts remain possible through the end of the month. Nighttime lows in the low 30s can still occur. A late freeze can damage fruit blossoms and shut down a major nectar source. Canyon winds can bring sudden afternoon cooling. Plan inspections for mid-morning to early afternoon on calm, warm days.

Tasks

Conduct thorough spring inspection of every colony

Critical April 1-15

What to Check

Queen status — eggs, larvae, and ideally spot the queen
Brood pattern quality — solid or spotty?
Population strength — how many frames of bees?
Food stores — frames of honey and pollen
Disease signs — chalkbrood, foulbrood, deformed wings
Space — is the colony running out of room?

Actions

Go through both deep boxes frame by frame
Mark the queen if she is unmarked and you can find her
If the brood pattern is spotty, plan to requeen within 2 weeks
If stores are still light, continue feeding until natural nectar is abundant
Record detailed notes for each colony — this is your management baseline for the season

Warning Signs

No eggs or brood in a colony that should be building up — queen may be dead or failing
Spotty brood pattern with sunken cappings — test for American Foulbrood (rope test)
Deformed wing bees visible — mite load is critical, test and treat immediately
Colony covering only 3-4 frames of bees in April is behind schedule and may need boosting

Notes

This is the most important inspection of the year. You are establishing the baseline for every management decision that follows. Take your time, be thorough, and record everything. A colony identified as queenless in April can be saved; one discovered queenless in June is a lost season.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

In Salem, fruit bloom typically begins in mid-April. Time this inspection just before or as fruit bloom starts so you know which colonies are positioned to take advantage of the flow.

Add first honey supers to strong colonies

High April 15-30

What to Check

Is the colony covering 7-8 frames in the top deep? If yes, it needs a super.
Are bees backfilling the brood nest with nectar? If yes, super immediately.
Is white wax being produced on frame tops? This indicates incoming nectar.
Is the colony bringing in heavy pollen loads? Strong pollen income accompanies nectar flow.

Actions

Place a honey super with drawn comb directly on top of the upper deep
If you only have foundation, place 2-3 frames of drawn comb in the center of the super and foundation on the outside to attract bees up
In a no-excluder setup, simply stack the super on top — no excluder needed
Check back in 7 days to see if bees are using the super

Warning Signs

Bees ignoring the super after a week may indicate: the colony is not strong enough, no nectar flow yet, or foundation is not attractive to them
If bees are propolizing the super shut, they do not want it — wait until population and flow justify the space

Notes

Adding supers is not just about honey production — it is swarm prevention. Giving bees space to store nectar above the brood nest relieves the congestion that triggers swarming. Err on the side of adding supers too early rather than too late. An unused super sitting on top of the hive does no harm; a colony that swarms because you waited costs you the season.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

Salem fruit bloom provides the first significant nectar income. Strong colonies can fill cells quickly once cherry and apple bloom starts. Get supers on before full bloom, not during it.

Perform first formal mite wash of the season

High April 5-20

What to Check

Mite count per 100 bees from an alcohol wash
Whether drone brood is present for uncapping and visual mite check
Compare mite levels across all colonies in the apiary

Actions

Collect approximately 300 bees (half cup) from a brood frame — check for queen first
Perform an alcohol wash and record the count
If count exceeds 2 mites per 100 bees, plan treatment before adding honey supers
If count is below threshold, note it and plan to retest in May or June
Uncap drone brood (if available) and check for mites visually as a supplementary check

Warning Signs

Any colony with more than 3 mites per 100 bees in spring entered winter with a high load — this colony is at risk
Visible mites on adult bees during the inspection means levels are very high
Deformed wings on emerging bees indicate virus transmission from mites is already occurring

Notes

Spring mite testing is about catching problems before they compound. Mite populations grow exponentially with brood — a 2% April load becomes 8%+ by July if untreated. Treating before supers go on is far simpler than treating with supers in place.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

Test in early-to-mid April so that if treatment is needed, you can complete it before the fruit bloom nectar flow and before you add honey supers.

Begin weekly swarm cell checks

High April 15-30

What to Check

Queen cups on frame bottoms — are any charged (containing an egg or larva)?
Colony congestion — are bees packed tightly on every frame?
Backfilling — is nectar being stored in the brood nest area?
Is the queen still laying prolifically, or has her pattern shrunk?

Actions

Inspect the bottom of every frame in both deeps for queen cells
Check between boxes and along the edges — cells hide in surprising places
If queen cells are found empty, just note them and check again in 7 days
If charged cells are found, take immediate swarm prevention action (split, add supers, open brood nest)
Assess whether the colony has adequate room and add supers if not already done

Warning Signs

Multiple charged queen cells on frame bottoms — swarm preparation is underway
Capped queen cells — the swarm may leave within days
Queen is slim and hard to find — workers may be slimming her for flight
Excessive bearding on a moderate-temperature day

Notes

Swarm season in Salem begins in mid-to-late April for strong colonies. The transition from "building up" to "ready to swarm" can happen in a single week if the colony is strong and the weather cooperates. Once you start swarm checks, commit to doing them every 7 days — missing a single week can mean missing the window to prevent a swarm.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

Salem swarm season typically runs from late April through late May. Start weekly checks by April 15 for strong colonies. Weaker colonies may not reach swarm potential until May.

May

spring

Colony State

May is peak buildup and the beginning of peak swarm season. The colony is at or near full strength — 40,000-60,000 bees — with the queen laying at her maximum rate of 1,500-2,000 eggs per day. Drones are flying from every strong colony. The brood nest occupies 6-8 frames in the two deeps, and nurse bees are abundant. Early alfalfa and clover are beginning to bloom, transitioning the colony from fruit-bloom forage to the main summer nectar sources. The swarm impulse is at its strongest this month because population growth has outpaced available space. This is the month that tests your swarm management skills.

Inspection Frequency: Every 7 days without exception during May. Missing a single weekly check can result in a lost swarm.

Swarm Risk: Peak Risk

Forage Blooms

Mite Testing Notes

If you tested and treated in April, a follow-up wash in mid-May confirms treatment efficacy. If April levels were below threshold, test again now to track the trajectory. Mite populations are growing with the expanding brood nest.

Honey Management

Supers should already be on every strong colony. Add additional supers as the first ones fill — do not wait until a super is completely full before adding the next one. During a strong flow, bees can fill a medium super in a week. Keep 1-2 extra supers ready at home for quick deployment.

Weather Cautions

May in Salem averages highs around 70°F but can spike to the mid-80s. Late frosts are still possible through about May 10 (average last frost date). Canyon winds remain a factor. Afternoon thunderstorms become more common later in the month. The temperature swings between warm days and cool nights can trigger rapid changes in colony behavior.

Tasks

Weekly swarm cell inspections — the most important task this month

Critical May 1-31 (every 7 days)

What to Check

Every frame bottom bar for queen cells — charged or capped
Space between boxes and at frame edges
Colony congestion — bees packed on every frame, bearding, white wax production
Brood nest backfilling with nectar
Queen laying pattern — is it shrinking?

Actions

Tip up each brood box and inspect the bottom bars — this is the fastest way to check for cells
If empty queen cups only, note and move on — recheck in 7 days
If charged cells found, implement swarm prevention immediately: split, add supers, open brood nest
If capped cells found, perform an emergency split — the swarm may be hours away
Ensure the colony always has at least one empty super available for nectar storage

Warning Signs

More than 3-4 charged queen cells means the swarm impulse is strong — cell removal alone will not stop it
Capped cells plus reduced population means the swarm has already left
Queen not found and no fresh eggs — she may have departed with a swarm

Notes

Commit to every 7 days. Queen cells go from egg to capped in 8 days. If you check on day 1 and an egg is laid on day 2, it will be capped by day 10. Checking every 7 days gives you a 1-day safety margin to catch cells before they are capped. Stretching to 10 or 14 days gives the colony time to cap cells and swarm between your visits.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

May in Salem is THE swarm month. The combination of strong population growth from April fruit bloom, warming temperatures, and expanding nectar flow creates ideal swarm conditions. Do not skip a single weekly check in May.

Stay ahead of super needs — add space proactively

High May 1-31

What to Check

How full is the current super? If more than 60-70% full, add another.
Are bees drawing comb in the super or ignoring it?
Is nectar shimmer visible in super frames?
Are bees working all frames in the super or only the center ones?

Actions

Add the next super when the current one is 60-70% full — do not wait for 100%
Place new supers above existing ones (top supering) unless you have a reason to bottom-super
If using foundation, intersperse it with drawn comb frames
Have extra supers at home — running out of space in May is costly

Warning Signs

Super filled in less than a week means the flow is very strong — add two supers at once
Bees building burr comb on top of supers means they have run out of space above
Bees not using supers despite a strong colony may indicate the super is not accessible (check for propolis barriers or poor frame spacing)

Notes

In a no-excluder setup, bees tend to move up into supers more readily because there is no barrier. This is an advantage — take it. Just check the lowest super occasionally for brood and move any brood frames down to the brood boxes.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

As Salem transitions from fruit bloom to alfalfa and clover, nectar income may increase. The main flow is building in May and will peak in June. Stack supers to be ready.

Make splits for swarm prevention or colony increase

Medium May 1-20

What to Check

Is the colony showing strong swarm pressure despite super management?
Do you want to increase your colony count this year?
Do you have equipment (boxes, frames, bottom boards) ready for new colonies?
Is the colony strong enough to split without crippling both halves?

Actions

Choose your method: walk-away split (simplest), managed split with purchased queen (fastest), or use colony-raised queen cells
Move the queen with 2-3 frames of brood, 1 frame of honey, and adhering bees to the new box
Leave the queenless half with eggs or young larvae and at least 1 frame of honey
Place the split at least 3 feet from the original to prevent forager drift
Fill empty slots in both hives with frames of drawn comb or foundation
Do not inspect the queenless half for 3 weeks — let the new queen develop, emerge, and mate

Warning Signs

A colony that is too weak to split (fewer than 8 frames of bees) should not be divided — manage swarm risk with supering instead
If the queenless split shows no queen cells after 1 week, they may not have larvae young enough — give them a frame of eggs from another colony

Notes

May splits in Salem have excellent success rates because drone populations are high for queen mating, nectar is flowing, and temperatures support brood rearing. This is the ideal time to increase colony numbers. Splits made later in the season have lower success rates for queen mating.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

Salem May weather is generally warm enough for successful queen mating flights. Virgin queens need multiple flights to mate with drones in congregation areas. The warm afternoons and abundant drones in May create ideal conditions.

Follow-up mite test if treated in April

Medium May 10-25

What to Check

Mite count from alcohol wash — has treatment reduced levels to below 1 per 100 bees?
Any signs of deformed wing virus or mite-damaged brood
Comparison of mite levels across colonies in the apiary

Actions

Perform an alcohol wash on every colony that was treated in April to verify effectiveness
Also test untreated colonies that were below threshold in April to track their trajectory
If any colony is above 2-3 per 100 bees, treatment is needed but may be complicated by honey supers — consult product labels for super-compatible options
Record results and compare to April baseline

Warning Signs

A colony that was treated in April but still shows high mite counts may have treatment resistance or was reinfested by drifting bees from untreated colonies
Rising mite counts in a colony that was below threshold in April means the population is growing — plan for a June or August treatment

Notes

Mite monitoring is a year-round commitment, not a one-time event. The May test tells you whether your spring management is working and helps you plan for the critical August treatment window.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

If your apiary is near other beekeepers or feral colonies, reinfestation from mite-carrying bees drifting between hives is a real risk. Monitor even if you treated successfully — your neighbors' mites can become your mites.

June

summer

Colony State

June is the main honey production month. The colony is at peak population — 50,000-70,000 bees — with maximum foraging force. The queen continues laying strongly but the brood nest may be slightly smaller than May as bees allocate more space to nectar storage. Foragers are making hundreds of trips per day to alfalfa fields, clover patches, and wildflower meadows. Nectar is pouring in and bees are curing it into honey around the clock. The hive is loud, heavy, and active from dawn to dusk. Swarm risk decreases from its May peak as the colony focuses on honey production, but late swarms are still possible, especially if space is inadequate.

Inspection Frequency: Every 10-14 days. Focus on super management rather than detailed brood inspections. Quick checks to ensure space is adequate.

Swarm Risk: Moderate

Forage Blooms

Mite Testing Notes

A mid-season mite wash in June is important. Mite populations are growing exponentially inside brood cells. If counts approach 3 per 100 bees with supers on, research super-compatible treatment options or plan to treat aggressively once supers are pulled. Follow all product label restrictions regarding honey supers.

Honey Management

This is your primary honey production month. Keep supers available and stacked — never let the colony run out of space. Strong colonies may need 3-4 supers during peak flow. Check weekly to see if supers need adding. Fully capped supers can be pulled and replaced with empties to keep the production line moving. Begin thinking about when to harvest based on how the flow progresses.

Weather Cautions

June in Salem brings summer heat — highs in the 80s to low 90s. UV intensity is high. Ensure hives have some afternoon shade if possible. Provide a nearby water source for the bees. Occasional late-season thunderstorms can drop temperatures temporarily. The hot, dry conditions begin the transition toward potential summer dearth.

Tasks

Active super management — keep space ahead of the bees

Critical June 1-30

What to Check

Fill level of each super — how many frames have nectar, how many are capped?
Are bees working the outermost frames or still concentrating in the center?
Weight of the hive — a heavy hive is a productive hive
Any signs of congestion in the brood boxes despite having supers

Actions

Add supers when current top super is 60-70% full
During peak flow, consider adding 2 supers at once to strong colonies
Pull fully capped supers for extraction and replace with empty drawn comb supers
In a no-excluder setup, check the lowest super for brood and move any brood frames down
Keep spare supers loaded with frames at home for quick deployment

Warning Signs

Super filled in under a week — flow is extremely strong, be prepared with extra equipment
Colony bearding heavily on hot days despite having supers — check ventilation and ensure supers are accessible
Supers not being filled despite good population — flow may have paused, or bees are not crossing into the super (check for obstructions)

Notes

Honey production happens fast in June. A strong colony during peak alfalfa bloom can bring in 5-10 pounds of nectar per day. At that rate, a medium super fills in less than a week. The beekeeper who stays ahead of the bees' space needs is the beekeeper who gets the biggest honey crop.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

June is the heart of the alfalfa and clover flow in Salem. If your hives are within foraging range of irrigated alfalfa fields (2-3 miles), production can be exceptional. Check cutting schedules if possible — alfalfa that is cut removes the nectar source temporarily until regrowth blooms.

Mid-season mite wash — track population growth

High June 10-25

What to Check

Mite count from alcohol wash — is it approaching the 3 per 100 bees threshold?
Comparison to spring baseline — how fast are mites increasing?
Any visible DWV or parasitized brood

Actions

Perform an alcohol wash on every colony
If counts are 3+ per 100 bees, research treatment options that are compatible with honey supers in place, following product labels
If counts are below threshold, plan for an August treatment after supers are pulled
Note which colonies have the highest counts — these may need treatment first in August

Warning Signs

Counts above 3 per 100 bees in June are alarming — mites will continue to grow and may reach 8-10% by August if untreated
Any DWV visible at this point means virus transmission is already occurring — this colony needs treatment urgently

Notes

The June mite wash is your mid-season checkpoint. It tells you which colonies are managing mite reproduction and which are falling behind. This information is critical for planning your August treatment strategy.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

In Salem, late June is ideal for this test because you still have 4-6 weeks before the critical August treatment window. If counts are high, you have time to research and prepare treatment materials.

Continue swarm cell checks through early June

Medium June 1-15

What to Check

Queen cells on frame bottoms — swarm season extends into early June
Colony congestion despite having supers
Queen laying pattern — still strong or declining?

Actions

Check for queen cells during super management visits through mid-June
If no swarm signs by June 15, the main swarm risk period is likely past
Late June swarms are less common but do occur — stay observant even if formal checks stop
Ensure super space is always adequate, which is the best ongoing swarm prevention

Warning Signs

Queen cells in June mean the colony still has unresolved swarm pressure — address immediately
A colony that swarmed and you missed it will have reduced population and a virgin queen — leave it alone for 3 weeks

Notes

Swarm season officially winds down in June, but late swarms happen, especially in colonies that were not adequately managed in May. Keep checking through mid-June, then shift your focus to honey production and mite management.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

Salem swarm season typically ends by mid-June as the colony shifts fully into production mode. Late swarms are possible but less common than in May.

Ensure reliable water source as temperatures rise

Medium June 1-30

What to Check

Do bees have a clean, reliable water source within 50 feet of the hives?
Are bees visiting neighbors' pools, bird baths, or livestock troughs?
Is the water source refilling adequately in the heat?

Actions

Set up a shallow water station with landing surfaces (pebbles, floating corks, textured ramp)
Ensure water is refreshed regularly — stagnant water breeds mosquitoes
Place the water source in a shaded or semi-shaded location to slow evaporation
Add a pinch of salt occasionally — bees prefer mineralized water

Warning Signs

Bees clustering at water sources far from the apiary — you need a closer option
Neighbor complaints about bees at their pool or pet water bowls

Notes

Water is essential for evaporative cooling and brood rearing. A colony in June can consume a quart of water per day. Providing a convenient source keeps foragers focused on nectar rather than spending time searching for water.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

Salem summers are hot and dry. Natural water sources may dry up by mid-June. Proactively provide water before it becomes a problem. Irrigation ditches and sprinklers can serve as incidental water sources, but a dedicated station is more reliable.

July

summer

Colony State

July is a transitional month. The first half may still offer good nectar flow from second-cutting alfalfa and persistent clover, but the flow typically tapers as the month progresses. Colony population remains high but the queen may begin to slightly reduce her laying rate in response to decreasing forage. Mite populations are climbing rapidly inside the expanding summer brood nest. The heat drives bees to beard on the front of the hive in the evenings — this is normal thermoregulation. The colony is beginning the long transition from summer growth mode to fall preparation, even though it does not look like it from the outside.

Inspection Frequency: Every 10-14 days. Focus on super management, mite awareness, and watching for the flow to end.

Swarm Risk: Low Risk

Forage Blooms

Mite Testing Notes

Mite levels are rising. A July wash gives you one more data point before the critical August treatment. If counts are above 3 per 100 bees, treatment urgency is increasing. Begin planning your August treatment strategy now — have products on hand and know the temperature restrictions.

Honey Management

Continue super management through the active flow. Watch for the flow to taper — you will notice slowing weight gain, less fresh nectar shimmer, and fewer foragers returning with full honey stomachs. When the flow clearly ends, begin planning super removal. Do not leave full supers on too long after the flow ends — pull them within 1-2 weeks of flow cessation.

Weather Cautions

July is the hottest month in Salem — average highs in the low 90s with occasional days hitting 100°F. UV exposure is intense. Bees may reduce foraging during the hottest part of the day. Ensure ventilation and water supply. Afternoon thunderstorms from monsoon moisture are possible. The heat combined with drying vegetation accelerates the transition to summer dearth.

Tasks

Watch for the nectar flow to taper and plan harvest timing

High July 1-31

What to Check

Is hive weight still increasing week over week?
Are foragers returning with full honey stomachs (round, shiny abdomens)?
Is fresh nectar shimmer still visible in super frames?
Are bees still producing white wax on super frames?
What is happening with local alfalfa — has it been cut?

Actions

Continue adding supers if the flow is still on
If weight gain has stopped, the flow is ending — plan to pull supers within 1-2 weeks
Begin scheduling your harvest day and securing extraction equipment
Keep an eye on robbing behavior as the flow tapers — reduce entrances on weaker hives if needed

Warning Signs

Bees fighting at the entrance of neighboring hives — robbing has started, dearth is imminent
Foragers trying to enter hives that are not their own — another robbing indicator
Increased defensive behavior — colonies become more protective as the flow ends
Rapid weight loss after weight gain stopped — colony is consuming stores

Notes

The end of the flow can happen gradually or abruptly. In a drought year with limited irrigation, it can shut off in a matter of days. Pay attention to the local environment — when alfalfa fields are cut and not reblooming, and clover dries up, the flow is done. Do not wait for the dearth to be obvious before acting.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

In Salem, the flow typically tapers in mid-to-late July. Second-cutting alfalfa may provide a brief resurgence, but overall nectar availability declines. Drought years can see the flow end as early as the first week of July.

Manage heat stress and ensure hive ventilation

Medium July 1-31

What to Check

Are bees bearding heavily on the front of the hive?
Is the entrance fully open for strong colonies?
Does the hive have adequate ventilation (upper entrance, screened bottom board)?
Is the water source still functioning and accessible?

Actions

Remove entrance reducers from all strong colonies
Prop outer cover slightly with small sticks or a shim for additional airflow
If possible, provide afternoon shade (shade cloth, tree canopy, or strategic hive placement)
Ensure water source is maintained — refill daily in extreme heat
Do not mistake heat bearding for swarm preparation — in 95°F weather, bearding is normal

Warning Signs

Bees clustering on the ground in front of the hive in extreme heat may indicate ventilation failure
Melted or sagging comb visible at the entrance means internal temperatures are dangerously high — provide shade immediately
Bees abandoning the hive entirely is a critical emergency — rare but possible in extreme heat with dark-colored equipment

Notes

Heat management is about keeping internal hive temperature below 95°F. Above this, beeswax begins to soften and brood can overheat. Bees can usually manage temperature themselves, but giving them help (ventilation, shade, water) frees up workforce for foraging instead of fanning.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

Salem July highs regularly reach the low 90s with occasional days above 100°F. The dry heat is slightly easier for bees to manage than humid heat (evaporative cooling works well), but direct sun exposure on dark-colored hives in afternoon can be problematic. East-facing hive placement gets morning sun for early starts but avoids the worst afternoon heat.

Plan August mite treatment — have supplies ready

High July 15-31

What to Check

Current mite levels from a July wash
What treatment products are available and approved for your situation
Temperature restrictions on treatment products — some cannot be used above certain temps
Whether honey supers will be off by your planned treatment date

Actions

Perform a mite wash in mid-to-late July to establish pre-treatment levels
Research and order treatment products now — do not wait until August when suppliers may be backed up
Read all product labels thoroughly and note temperature requirements
Plan your super removal date so treatment can begin promptly
If counts are already very high (5+%), consider pulling supers immediately and treating rather than waiting for more honey

Warning Signs

Mite counts above 5 per 100 bees in July — this colony is in danger of collapse by fall without immediate treatment
Visible DWV or parasitized brood at this point requires immediate intervention — the honey crop is secondary to colony survival

Notes

August treatment is the single most important mite management event of the year. Being prepared in July means you can act on day one of August. Scrambling to order products in August wastes critical treatment days.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

Plan to pull supers in late July or the first week of August in Salem. The flow is usually done or nearly done by then. Having supers off by August 1 gives you the full month for treatment before fall.

August

summer

Colony State

August is a stress month. The summer dearth is typically in full effect — nectar income has dropped to near zero as alfalfa fields are cut and wildflowers dry up in the heat. Colony population is still high from summer brood rearing, but with little incoming food, bees are consuming stored honey. Robbing pressure peaks as thousands of foragers have nothing to forage and instead seek out weak colonies or exposed honey. The queen begins reducing her laying rate in response to the dearth. Most critically, the bees raised from August onward are the long-lived "winter bees" that must survive until next March. Protecting these bees from mite damage is the top priority.

Inspection Frequency: Every 10-14 days. Focus on mite treatment, robbing prevention, and stores assessment.

Swarm Risk: No Risk

Forage Blooms

Mite Testing Notes

THIS IS THE CRITICAL MONTH. Test immediately after pulling honey supers. If mite count exceeds 2-3 per 100 bees, treat immediately. Do not delay. The bees emerging now are the winter bees — if they are damaged by mites and viruses during development, the colony will die over winter. Follow product labels for temperature restrictions, treatment duration, and safety precautions.

Honey Management

Pull honey supers by early-to-mid August. Extract promptly and return empty supers if you want the bees to clean them. Leaving supers on during dearth means bees will eat the honey and robbing is more likely. Once supers are off, assess how much honey remains in the brood boxes for winter stores.

Weather Cautions

August in Salem is hot (highs in the upper 80s to low 90s) and dry. Smoke from western wildfires can significantly reduce air quality and foraging activity. Monsoon thunderstorms may provide brief relief but can also bring hail and flash flooding. The dry conditions mean that water sources may run low — check your bee water supply regularly.

Tasks

Pull honey supers for harvest

Critical August 1-15

What to Check

Which supers are fully capped and ready for harvest?
Are any super frames still uncapped (less than 80% capped)?
In a no-excluder setup, is there brood in any super frames?
What is the overall hive weight after supers are removed?

Actions

Use a bee escape board, fume board, or frame-by-frame bee brush to clear bees from supers
Pull supers that are 80%+ capped — fully capped is ideal
Leave any frames with brood in the hive — do not extract brood frames
Assess the remaining brood box weight to determine if the colony has adequate stores for winter
Extract within a week of pulling to prevent wax moth damage to stored supers
After extraction, return wet supers to the hives for bees to clean (place above the inner cover)

Warning Signs

Very few capped frames despite a season of production may indicate the colony was weakened by mites, swarming, or poor queen
If brood box stores feel light after super removal, the colony used its reserves during dearth — plan to feed
Signs of robbing during super removal — work quickly and do not leave supers or frames exposed

Notes

In a no-excluder setup, always check each super frame before placing it in the harvest pile. Move any frames with brood back into the brood boxes. The queen rarely goes more than one box above the main brood nest, so upper supers are almost always brood-free.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

Pull supers by early August in Salem. The flow is done and leaving supers on during the dearth means the bees will eat the honey you worked all season to produce. The sooner supers are off, the sooner you can treat for mites.

Treat for Varroa mites — THE most important task of the year

Critical August 1-31

What to Check

Mite count from alcohol wash immediately after supers are pulled
Product label temperature requirements versus current conditions
Whether all honey supers are completely off before treatment begins
Any visible DWV or mite damage on adult bees

Actions

Test every colony with an alcohol wash within days of pulling supers
If count exceeds 2-3 per 100 bees, begin treatment immediately following product label directions
Even if counts are below threshold, strongly consider treating as preventive measure for winter bee production
Note the treatment start date and follow the complete treatment protocol — do not cut treatments short
Plan a follow-up test in September to verify treatment effectiveness

Warning Signs

Counts above 5 per 100 bees — this colony is in serious danger and needs immediate aggressive treatment
DWV visible on adult bees — virus transmission is active, treatment is urgent but some damage is already done
Colony seems weak or population has declined suddenly — high mite load may have already caused a crash

Notes

This is not optional. August mite treatment protects the winter bees that will keep the colony alive from November through March. Studies consistently show that colonies treated effectively in August survive winter at dramatically higher rates than those treated late or not at all. Follow product labels exactly — do not guess at dosages, application methods, or treatment duration.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

August days in Salem are still hot (upper 80s to low 90s). Some treatment products have temperature ceilings — check the label. Late August and early September temperatures cool slightly, which may make some products more effective. Treat as early in August as possible to protect the most winter bees.

Prevent robbing during the dearth

High August 1-31

What to Check

Frantic activity at hive entrances — bees wrestling, fighting, or being pushed away
Bees investigating cracks, joints, and gaps in hive equipment
Weak colonies being overwhelmed by visiting bees from other hives
Sticky or honey-smelling surfaces near the apiary that attract robbers

Actions

Reduce entrances on all hives to a 2-3 inch opening during dearth
Reduce entrances on weak colonies to a single bee width
Do not spill honey, syrup, or leave frames exposed in the apiary
If robbing is in progress, close the being-robbed hive entrance with grass or a wet towel for 30 minutes to break the frenzy
Never feed open syrup in a trough or pan — always use internal feeders
Keep inspections brief and avoid opening hives in the middle of the day during dearth

Warning Signs

Bees fighting at the entrance — immediate intervention needed
A hive that was active yesterday but is now quiet with dead bees at the entrance — it may have been robbed out
Wax cappings and debris on the landing board from robbers tearing into cells
Other hives in the apiary suddenly gaining weight while one loses weight

Notes

Robbing can destroy a weak colony in a single day. Once robbers find a food source, they recruit massively and the attack intensifies exponentially. Prevention is far easier than stopping robbing once it starts. During August dearth in Salem, treat every hive opening and every exposed frame as a robbing risk.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

The Salem dearth in August is intensified by hot, dry conditions. Thousands of unemployed foragers are looking for easy food. Robbing pressure is highest during the hottest part of the day (noon to 4 PM). If you must inspect, do it early morning or late evening.

Assess winter food stores after honey harvest

High August 15-31

What to Check

How many frames of capped honey remain in the two brood boxes?
Estimated total weight of honey stores — goal is 60-80 pounds for Salem winter
Whether the colony has adequate pollen stores for fall brood rearing
Overall hive weight by tilt test — compare to the feel of a known-heavy hive

Actions

Estimate stores: each full deep frame of honey is roughly 8-10 pounds
A two-deep hive should have at least 6-8 frames of capped honey going into fall
If stores are light, plan to begin feeding 2:1 sugar syrup in September
If stores are critically low, begin feeding immediately with 2:1 syrup
Do not assume fall forage will make up the deficit — rabbitbrush alone is rarely enough

Warning Signs

Fewer than 4 frames of capped honey in the brood boxes after harvest — this colony will need significant feeding
Colony feels very light when tilted — begin feeding as soon as mite treatment allows
Bees consuming stored honey visibly during dearth — weight is dropping and will continue to drop

Notes

The balance between maximizing honey harvest and leaving adequate winter stores is the core tension of beekeeping. It is always better to leave an extra frame of honey for the bees than to take it and have to feed syrup later. Syrup is never as good as natural honey for winter stores.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

Salem winters require 60-80 pounds of honey stores. This is roughly 6-8 full deep frames. Assess realistically — an optimistic guess in August leads to a starvation emergency in February. If in doubt, leave more honey and take less.

September

fall

Colony State

September marks the definitive transition to fall management. The queen is reducing her laying rate significantly, and the brood nest is shrinking to 3-4 frames. The colony is producing the long-lived winter bees that will sustain it through the cold months. Drone eviction begins — workers drag drones to the entrance and push them out, as drones are a liability in winter. Some fall forage may be available (rabbitbrush, asters, late garden flowers), but the colony is primarily relying on stored food. Population is declining naturally as summer bees reach the end of their lifespan and fewer new bees emerge. The colony is turning inward, preparing for winter.

Inspection Frequency: Every 2 weeks. Focused on mite treatment follow-up, stores assessment, and queen verification.

Swarm Risk: No Risk

Forage Blooms

Mite Testing Notes

Follow-up alcohol wash to verify August treatment effectiveness. If mite count is still above 1 per 100 bees after treatment, a second treatment with a different method may be necessary. Going into winter with elevated mite levels is the number one predictor of winter colony loss. Complete all mite treatment by end of September.

Honey Management

No harvest in September. Focus is on ensuring the colony has adequate stores for winter. If stores are low, feeding 2:1 sugar syrup is the priority. The colony needs 60-80 pounds of stored honey or cured syrup to survive winter in Salem.

Weather Cautions

September in Salem brings welcome cooling — highs in the 70s to low 80s, with nights dropping into the 40s and 50s. First frost typically occurs in late September to early October. The temperature swings are ideal for some mite treatments but also signal the colony to prepare for winter. Watch for early cold snaps that can arrive without much warning.

Tasks

Follow-up mite test to verify treatment effectiveness

Critical September 5-20

What to Check

Mite count from alcohol wash — has treatment reduced levels below 1 per 100 bees?
Comparison to pre-treatment August count — what percentage reduction did treatment achieve?
Any signs of DWV or mite damage on adult bees or in brood

Actions

Wash every colony that was treated in August — verify treatment worked
If counts are below 1 per 100 bees, the treatment was successful — continue monitoring
If counts are still elevated (above 1-2 per 100 bees), plan a second treatment with a different product
Complete any additional treatment by end of September so winter bees are protected
Record results for comparison to future years

Warning Signs

Treatment failed to reduce mites below threshold — possible resistance or application error; try a different treatment class
Mite levels rebounded quickly after treatment — reinfestation from neighboring colonies is likely; treat again
DWV still visible after treatment — virus damage is done but continued mite suppression may allow recovery

Notes

The September test is your report card on August treatment. If the grade is poor, you have a narrow window to correct it before cold weather makes treatment difficult. Do not shrug off a disappointing September result — act immediately.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

September temperatures in Salem (70s-80s days, 40s-50s nights) are within range for most treatment products. If a second treatment is needed, conditions are still favorable. By October, temperature-sensitive products may no longer be effective.

Begin fall feeding for light colonies

High September 1-30

What to Check

How many frames of capped honey are in the brood boxes?
Does the hive feel heavy when tilted? Target weight equivalent of 60-80 lbs of stored honey.
Is the colony taking syrup readily? Strong uptake on warm days is what you want to see.
Are bees curing and capping the syrup? Check for capped syrup stores building up.

Actions

Feed 2:1 sugar syrup (2 parts sugar to 1 part water by weight) using a top feeder or internal frame feeder
Feed aggressively — provide as much syrup as the colony will take during warm weather
Check feeders every 2-3 days and refill as needed
Stop feeding when hive weight reaches target or when bees stop taking syrup due to cold
Do not feed thin 1:1 syrup in fall — bees must work harder to cure thin syrup and time is short

Warning Signs

Colony not taking syrup on warm days may be too weak to process it, or may be queenless
Feeding attracting robbers — use internal feeders only and reduce entrances
Cold weather arriving before colony has reached target weight — switch to fondant or sugar boards

Notes

September feeding is a race against falling temperatures. Bees can only process and cure syrup when temperatures are warm enough for them to be active (above 50°F). Every warm day in September is precious for feeding. Do not procrastinate — start feeding on September 1 if stores are light.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

Salem September has plenty of warm days (70s-80s) early in the month, but nights cool significantly. Feed early in September to take advantage of warm weather. By late September, nights in the 30s-40s slow syrup processing considerably.

Verify queen-rightness before winter

High September 10-25

What to Check

Is the queen present and laying (even if at a reduced rate)?
Are there eggs or young larvae? The reduced brood nest makes finding eggs harder.
Is the brood pattern solid in the smaller area she is using?
Any signs of queenlessness: laying workers, drone brood in worker cells, emergency cells

Actions

Do a careful but efficient inspection of the brood nest — locate eggs or the queen
If queen is found and laying, note her condition (marked? clipped?)
If no eggs or queen found, the colony may be queenless — options are limited this late in the season
A queenless colony in September is best combined with a queen-right colony rather than trying to requeen
If combining, use the newspaper method and place the queenless colony on top of the queen-right one

Warning Signs

No eggs or brood at all in September — likely queenless, and successfully requeening this late is difficult
Laying workers (multiple eggs per cell on cell walls) — combine with a queen-right colony immediately
Emergency queen cells in September — even if a virgin queen emerges, successful mating is very unlikely this late in the season with few drones available

Notes

Going into winter without a queen is a death sentence for the colony. This is your last opportunity to verify queen-rightness and make a rescue. Combining a queenless colony with a queen-right one saves the bees and strengthens the surviving colony for winter.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

By late September in Salem, drone populations are very low. Successful queen mating is unlikely after mid-September. If a colony is queenless, combining is the practical choice.

Begin reducing entrances for fall and winter

Medium September 15-30

What to Check

Current entrance size relative to colony population
Is robbing pressure still a concern?
Are there signs of mice investigating the entrance?

Actions

Reduce entrances on all colonies to a medium opening (3-4 inches)
Weak colonies should have entrances reduced to 1-2 inches
Begin watching for mice near hives — they start seeking warm shelter as nights cool
Plan to install metal mouse guards in October

Warning Signs

Mouse droppings near the entrance — mice are scouting for entry
Chewed wood or wax at the entrance — mouse has been chewing to enlarge the opening

Notes

Entrance reduction serves multiple purposes in fall: it makes the colony easier to defend against robbers, reduces cold airflow into the hive, and prepares for mouse guard installation. Do this gradually — do not slam the entrance closed on a colony that is still flying actively on warm days.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

Salem mice (deer mice and house mice) begin seeking warm shelters as night temperatures drop into the 30s and 40s. A beehive is an ideal mouse shelter — warm, dark, and full of food. Mouse guards should go on no later than October 1 in Salem.

October

fall

Colony State

October is the final preparation month before winter sets in. The queen has dramatically reduced her laying, maintaining only a small brood nest or potentially stopping altogether by month end. The colony population has decreased to 20,000-30,000 bees as short-lived summer bees die off and are replaced by the long-lived winter bees being raised in September and October. Drones have been expelled. The colony is clustering more tightly at night and on cool days, positioning itself on the honey stores. Bees are sealing cracks with propolis, reducing airflow to prepare for cold weather. This is the month to finalize all winter preparations — by November, the hive should not be opened again until March.

Inspection Frequency: One final thorough inspection in early October. After that, external observation only.

Swarm Risk: No Risk

Forage Blooms

Mite Testing Notes

Final mite wash of the season. This is the last opportunity to assess mite load before winter. If counts are still above 1 per 100 bees after fall treatment, consider oxalic acid vaporization during the December broodless period as a winter rescue measure. Temperature-sensitive treatments may no longer be effective as October nights drop below treatment thresholds.

Honey Management

No harvest. All remaining honey in the hive belongs to the bees. If stores are still inadequate (fewer than 6 deep frames of capped honey or equivalent weight), continue feeding 2:1 syrup on warm days, or switch to fondant/sugar boards if nights are too cold for syrup processing.

Weather Cautions

October in Salem brings the first hard frosts and occasional freezes. Average highs drop from the mid-60s early in the month to the mid-50s by month end. Nighttime lows drop into the 20s and 30s. Early snow is possible. Temperature swings can be dramatic — 70°F one day and 35°F the next. The first sustained freeze typically occurs in the second half of October.

Tasks

Conduct the final hive inspection of the season

Critical October 1-15

What to Check

Queen-rightness — eggs or the queen herself
Food stores — at least 6-8 frames of capped honey in the two deeps
Colony population — is there a solid cluster of bees covering at least 6-8 frames?
Brood box configuration — is the brood nest positioned for good access to stores?
Any disease or pest issues that need last-minute addressing
Overall hive condition — sound equipment, good seals, no damage

Actions

This is your last chance to fix problems before winter — address everything you find
If stores are light, add fondant or a sugar board above the cluster
If the queen is not confirmed, consider combining with a queen-right colony using newspaper
Verify both deeps are seated properly with no gaps between boxes
Remove any unnecessary supers — the colony should winter on two deeps only
Note each colony's condition rating (strong/average/weak) for winter monitoring priority

Warning Signs

No queen and no eggs — combine immediately with a queen-right colony
Fewer than 4 frames of bees — this colony may not generate enough cluster heat to survive winter; consider combining
Very light hive weight — starvation risk is high, feed aggressively
Signs of disease (deformed wings, spotty brood, foul smell) — this colony faces a difficult winter

Notes

This inspection should answer one question: "Will this colony survive the winter?" If the answer is "probably not" due to queenlessness, weak population, or inadequate stores, combining with a stronger colony saves the bees. One strong colony is worth more than two weak colonies going into winter.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

Pick a warm day (above 55°F) in early October for this inspection. By mid-October, warm days become rare and opening the hive risks chilling the cluster. Do not delay this inspection — if it slides to late October, you may not get a suitable day.

Install mouse guards and reduce entrances

High October 1-10

What to Check

Are all hive entrances protected against mouse entry?
Do mouse guards fit tightly with no gaps large enough for a mouse to squeeze through?
Are entrance reducers set to the smallest opening appropriate for the colony's winter population?

Actions

Install metal mouse guards (1/4-inch hardware cloth or commercial metal guards with 3/8-inch holes) across every entrance
Verify there are no gaps between the guard and the bottom board or hive body
Block any upper entrances if used during summer, or fit them with mouse guards as well
Check that bees can still pass through the guard openings easily

Warning Signs

Mouse droppings anywhere near the hive — act immediately
Wooden entrance reducers can be chewed through by mice — use metal guards
A guard that is not flush with the hive body leaves gaps mice can exploit

Notes

A mouse in a winter hive is catastrophic. Mice chew through comb, destroy brood and honey stores, and their presence stresses the cluster. A single mouse can ruin an entire deep of comb. Prevention is simple and cheap — a piece of hardware cloth costs cents and takes minutes to install.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

Install mouse guards no later than the first week of October in Salem. Field mice begin seeking winter shelter as soon as nights drop into the 30s consistently, which usually starts in late September to early October.

Winterize hive equipment — insulate and protect

Medium October 10-31

What to Check

Are covers, bottoms, and boxes in good condition with no rot or damage?
Is the inner cover positioned correctly for winter ventilation?
Are hive stands level and secure against wind?
Is the hive location at risk for snowdrift, flooding, or excessive wind exposure?

Actions

Place a moisture board or absorbent material (burlap, wood shavings in a box) above the inner cover to manage condensation
Consider wrapping hives with tar paper or a commercial winter wrap — this helps with wind protection and solar heat absorption
Secure outer covers with a strap, brick, or weight against winter winds
Tilt hives slightly forward (shim the back) so any condensation drains out the front entrance rather than dripping onto the cluster
Ensure the screened bottom board is closed or blocked for winter to reduce drafts
Remove any queen excluders that may have been left in place — the cluster must be able to move freely to access stores

Warning Signs

Hive bodies with significant gaps, cracks, or damage — these leak heat and admit cold air
Outer cover not sealed well — wind-driven rain or snow can enter
Hive leaning or unstable on its stand — winter storms could topple it

Notes

The goal of winterization is to keep the cluster dry and protected from wind while allowing adequate ventilation to prevent moisture buildup. Moisture is the number one killer of winter colonies — cold alone rarely kills them. A thin wrap of tar paper is inexpensive and effective.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

Salem gets moderate snowfall (30-40 inches total over winter) and consistent cold. Wind protection and moisture management are more important than heavy insulation. The cluster generates its own heat — your job is to keep that heat from being stolen by wind and to prevent moisture from condensing on cold inner surfaces and dripping onto the bees.

November

winter

Colony State

The colony has entered winter mode. The cluster is formed and positioned on or near the honey stores. The queen has stopped laying or maintains only a tiny brood patch. Population is 15,000-25,000 bees, all long-lived winter bees with fat bodies full of the protein reserves that will sustain them for months. The cluster contracts at night and on cold days, and expands slightly on warmer days. Bees on the outside of the cluster form a tight insulating shell, while interior bees generate heat by vibrating their flight muscles. The colony consumes honey steadily, and the cluster moves slowly across and upward through the frames to access stores over the winter months.

Inspection Frequency: Do not open the hive. External observation only — listen, tilt for weight, check entrance.

Swarm Risk: No Risk

Mite Testing Notes

No mite testing. The colony is clustered and should not be disturbed. If you planned a December oxalic acid vaporization, confirm you have the equipment and product ready.

Honey Management

No harvest, no honey management. If you realize a hive is dangerously light, you can place fondant or a sugar board on the inner cover without fully opening the hive — quickly crack the inner cover, place the food over the cluster hole, and close up. Do this on a warmer day if possible.

Weather Cautions

November in Salem brings winter weather in earnest. Average highs around 47°F with lows in the mid-20s. First significant snowfall usually arrives in November. Extended cold periods are possible. Temperature inversions trap cold air in Utah Valley, and the valley floor can be colder than slightly higher elevations during inversions.

Tasks

Leave the bees alone — external monitoring only

High November 1-30

What to Check

Entrance clear of dead bees and debris?
Hive still level and secure on its stand?
Winter wrap and covers intact?
Mouse guard secure?
Any signs of animal disturbance (raccoons, skunks)?

Actions

Walk past the hives weekly and do a visual check without touching them
Clear entrance if dead bees or debris accumulate
Verify covers, straps, and wraps are in place after windstorms
Do NOT open the hive unless you have strong reason to believe there is an emergency (severely light weight)

Warning Signs

No dead bees at the entrance over several weeks — normal in cold weather, but put your ear to the hive to confirm buzzing
Scratching or chewing sounds from inside — possible mouse has gotten inside
Skunk tracks or claw marks at the entrance — skunks eat bees at night by scratching the landing board
Hive tipped or knocked over by wind or animals — right it immediately and check for damage

Notes

November requires discipline. The natural instinct is to check on the bees, but opening the hive in November breaks the propolis seal, releases stored heat, and stresses the cluster. The best thing you can do for your bees in November is nothing.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

Salem November can include extended cold inversions where the valley floor stays below freezing for days. During these periods, the bees are fine if they have stores. Resist the urge to intervene.

Monthly weight check by tilting

Medium November 15-30

What to Check

Does the hive feel heavy — resists tilting from the back?
How does weight compare to the October check?
Are any hives significantly lighter than others?

Actions

Gently tilt the back of the hive and note the weight feel
Compare to your October baseline and to other hives in the apiary
If a hive feels light, plan to add a fondant patty or sugar board on the next warm-ish day
Fondant can be placed on the inner cover through the center hole without fully breaking the propolis seal

Warning Signs

A hive that has lost significant weight since October is consuming stores faster than expected — monitor closely
A very light hive needs immediate emergency feeding regardless of weather

Notes

Weight monitoring is your window into the colony without opening the hive. A two-deep hive with adequate stores should feel solidly heavy — 60-80 pounds of honey plus the weight of equipment and bees. With practice, you can estimate stores within 10-15 pounds by feel.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

November consumption in Salem depends on how cold the month is. A mild November with occasional warm days means the cluster breaks and reforms repeatedly, consuming more than in a consistently cold month where the cluster stays tight.

Prepare oxalic acid vaporization equipment for December

Low November 1-30

What to Check

Do you have an oxalic acid vaporizer and the product?
Is the product currently labeled for use in your state (check for current registration)?
Do you have proper safety equipment: respirator with organic vapor cartridge, gloves, goggles?
Do you have a power source for the vaporizer (battery, extension cord, or propane model)?

Actions

If you plan to vaporize in December, gather and test all equipment now
Read the product label thoroughly and understand the procedure
Practice with the vaporizer (without product) to ensure it heats properly and you understand the timing
Plan to vaporize during the broodless period in December when all mites are phoretic

Notes

Oxalic acid vaporization during the broodless period is highly effective because no mites are hidden in capped brood cells. A single treatment reaches all phoretic mites. This is an optional but valuable tool, especially for colonies that had elevated mite counts going into winter. Always follow label directions and use required safety equipment — oxalic acid vapor is a respiratory irritant.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

The broodless period in Salem typically occurs from mid-December through early January. Confirm broodlessness is likely based on sustained cold temperatures. Vaporize on a calm day when temps are 35-55°F and bees are tightly clustered.

December

winter

Colony State

December is deep winter. The colony is tightly clustered, the queen is not laying, and the cluster moves very slowly through the hive as it consumes honey stores. This is the quietest month in the beekeeping year. The cluster maintains an internal temperature of 92-95°F at its core and approximately 45°F at its outer shell. Bees rotate between the warm core and the cooler shell. The broodless period that typically occurs in December and early January is the window for oxalic acid vaporization if planned. The colony is entirely self-sustaining at this point — your only role is to ensure they have food and the entrance stays clear.

Inspection Frequency: Do not open the hive. External checks only — entrance, weight, general condition.

Swarm Risk: No Risk

Mite Testing Notes

December is the optimal window for oxalic acid vaporization. With no capped brood, all Varroa mites are on adult bees and exposed to treatment. A single vaporization during confirmed broodlessness can reduce mite populations by 90%+. This sets the colony up with very low mite levels going into spring. Follow all product label directions and safety precautions.

Honey Management

No harvest, no management. If you identify a critically light hive during a weight check, place fondant or a candy board directly above the cluster. Do not feed liquid syrup in December — it will freeze, create moisture problems, and bees cannot process cold liquid.

Weather Cautions

December in Salem averages highs around 37°F and lows around 20°F. Snow is common, and extended cold snaps with single-digit temperatures occur periodically. Temperature inversions can trap cold air in Utah Valley for days or weeks. Wind chill is a factor for exposed apiaries. The shortest days of the year mean bees have no foraging opportunity and maximum darkness.

Tasks

Keep entrances clear after snowstorms

High December 1-31 (after each snowstorm)

What to Check

Is the entrance blocked by snow, ice, or accumulated dead bees?
Can air flow into and out of the hive freely?
Is the mouse guard still secure and functional?

Actions

After snowstorms, brush snow away from hive entrances
Use a twig to clear any dead bees blocking the entrance opening
Spend less than 30 seconds at each hive — do not linger or disturb
If you hear healthy buzzing when you put your ear to the hive, the colony is fine

Warning Signs

Complete silence when you listen at the hive wall — the colony may have died
Foul odor from the entrance — could indicate dead colony or disease
No dead bees at all over several visits — may be normal in very cold weather or may indicate a dead colony

Notes

Entrance ventilation is critical in winter. If the entrance is sealed by snow or dead bees, carbon dioxide builds up and moisture cannot escape. The cluster needs airflow to survive, even though it seems counterintuitive to allow cold air near the bees. The entrance does not need to be wide — even a small opening is sufficient.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

Salem averages 15-20 inches of snow in December. After significant snowfalls, check entrances within a day or two. Valley inversions can cause heavy frost buildup that blocks entrances even without snow.

Monthly weight check — watch for light hives

High December 15-31

What to Check

Hive weight by tilt test — compare to November
Rate of consumption — is the colony eating stores faster than expected?
Any hive that feels significantly lighter than others needs immediate attention

Actions

Tilt each hive from the back and compare weight feel to November baseline
If a hive feels light, prepare to add fondant or a candy board
On a mild day (above 40°F), quickly crack the inner cover and place fondant or candy board directly over the cluster
Close up immediately — spend less than 60 seconds with the cover off

Warning Signs

A hive that has become very light since November is burning through stores — it may not last until March
If you must add emergency food in December, plan to check again in January — this colony will need continued support

Notes

December weight checks are especially important for hives that were borderline going into winter. A colony in a tight cluster during consistent cold actually consumes less than one that breaks cluster repeatedly during warm spells. Extended mild December weather can paradoxically increase consumption.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

Salem December is usually consistently cold, which keeps the cluster tight and consumption relatively low. But cold inversions with occasional warm breaks cause the cluster to expand and contract, using more food. Track weight relative to weather patterns.

Oxalic acid vaporization during the broodless period

Medium December 15-31 (during confirmed broodless period)

What to Check

Has the colony been broodless long enough? Sustained cold below 40°F for 2+ weeks typically ensures broodlessness.
Is the outdoor temperature between 35-55°F for vaporization? Too cold and bees are too tight; too warm and they may break cluster.
Is the vaporizer equipment tested and functioning?
Do you have all safety equipment: respirator, gloves, goggles, long sleeves?

Actions

Choose a calm, dry day with temperatures between 35-55°F
Seal the hive entrance temporarily with a damp rag or foam block
Apply the product through the entrance according to label directions using your vaporizer
Wait the label-specified time for vaporization and distribution
Remove the entrance seal and allow the colony to resume normal ventilation
Repeat on each hive, following label directions for timing between applications

Warning Signs

If the colony has been in extended warm weather (above 50°F for multiple days), the queen may have resumed laying and brood may be present — vaporization is less effective with capped brood
Very cold temperatures (below 30°F) make vaporization less effective as the cluster is extremely tight and vapor does not distribute well

Notes

This is the single most effective time to reduce Varroa mite populations if done correctly during a true broodless period. One treatment can kill 90%+ of all mites in the colony because none are hidden in capped brood cells. This sets the colony up for a clean start in spring. However, it is only effective during broodlessness — if brood is present, mites in capped cells are protected.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

Salem typically has a reliable broodless period from mid-December through early January. Sustained cold temperatures ensure the queen stops laying. Target the last two weeks of December for vaporization. If December has been unusually warm, the broodless window may be shorter or shifted — use judgment based on actual weather.

Review the 2026 season and plan for 2027

Low December 1-31

What to Check

How many colonies entered winter versus how many you started with?
What was total honey production? How does it compare to your goals?
Did swarming cost you production? How many colonies swarmed?
How effective was your mite management program?
What equipment do you need for next year?

Actions

Review your inspection notes and identify patterns — which colonies performed best and why?
Calculate per-colony honey yield and total production
Assess your swarm management: did weekly checks in May actually happen?
Evaluate mite treatment timing and effectiveness
Make a list of equipment, supplies, and queens to order for 2027
Attend winter beekeeping meetings (Utah County Beekeepers Association) to learn from other local beekeepers

Notes

The off-season review is where improvement happens. The beekeeper who examines their successes and failures each winter grows more skilled each year. Be honest about what you did well and what you missed. Did a colony swarm because you skipped a May inspection? Did stores run low because you harvested too much? These lessons are the foundation of next year's success.

Salem, Utah Adjustment

Connect with the Utah County Beekeepers Association and attend winter meetings. Local knowledge from experienced Salem-area beekeepers is invaluable. They can share observations about how this specific year's weather affected their colonies — information you will not find in any national beekeeping publication.