Month by month

Beekeeping in April

When you do open up in April, you are looking for queen cells, play cups with eggs in them, and whether they need a super.

Can I inspect my bees in April?

Yes, once it is warm: a full inspection needs 15 °C or more, dry, and wind under 22 km/h, between 9am and 6pm. From 12 °C, dry and calm you can add a super or check stores without pulling brood frames. Swarm season starts now, so look every seven days.

Jobs for April

• Swarm season begins. Once it is warm, inspect every 7 days without fail.
• Add the first super when bees cover 7 or 8 frames. Queen excluder on.
• Drones appearing means swarming is possible. Have a second brood box ready for an artificial swarm.
• Spring varroa count. Set a bait hive out with old comb and a few drops of lemongrass oil.