Month by month

Beekeeping in October

When you do open up in October, you are looking for weight when hefted, a clear entrance, and that the mouse guard is on.

Can I inspect my bees in October?

Until the middle of the month, on a warm afternoon (15 °C or more, dry, and wind under 22 km/h, between 9am and 6pm). After the 15th, a warm hour earns a quick look at most: feeding, mouse guards and hefting, not frame-by-frame.

Jobs for October

• Last syrup by mid-month; fondant after that. Heft: a full National feels like it is glued down.
• Mouse guards on once nights are cold. Woodpecker netting if you have had trouble before.
• Strap roofs down or put a brick on top before the gales. Check stands and levels.
• Stop opening up. If you must, it is a quick look on a warm afternoon, not a frame-by-frame inspection.