Quick Guide to Autumn Hive Management

The following is a summary of recommended actions taken from Practical Beekeeping in NZ and suggestions from members:

• Take off any remaining surplus honey but consider hive winter requirements- ideally the equivalent of 10 x ¾ depth frames of honey and two frames of pollen
• Feed syrup to boost honey stores if necessary
• Treat for Varroa
• Check Varroa levels after treatment end. Re-treat with an alternative if necessary
• Ensure a good laying queen present. Re-queen early autumn if necessary
• Check for AFB
• Combine any weak colonies that may not survive winter (bees cover < 4 frames)
• Rearrange frames with brood in centre and honey outside. However bees will invariably sort this out to suit themselves
• Check hive parts and replace any that need repair
• Move old frames to the box sides for culling in the spring
• Check removed frames for wax moth & freeze if necessary
• Store all removed boxes and frames securely (vermin proof)
• Check site for maximum winter sune.g. trim trees & bushes
• Remove queen excluder to avoid queen becoming isolated after Varroa strips removed
• Get feel of the weight of hive when it has adequate honey stores by lifting the front or use scales
• Consider top ventilation – put match sticks under hive mat or cut a groove in the hive mat
• Restrict hive entrance to exclude wasps and mice
• Strap hives/add extra top weight to prevent wind damage
• Prepare board, eg corflute, for insertion under mesh floors