Questions

Questions About Seasonal Beekeeping

1. When should I start inspecting my hives in spring?

  • Answer: In Northeast Ohio, start hive inspections in late March or early April, depending on weather. Look for signs of brood, queen activity, and sufficient food stores. Wait until the temperature is above 50°F to avoid chilling the brood.

2. How can I prepare my hives for winter?

  • Answer: Winter preparation includes:
    • Ensuring colonies have 60-80 pounds of honey stored.
    • Reducing hive entrances to keep out pests and drafts.
    • Adding insulation or a moisture board to control condensation.
    • Wrapping hives to improve insulation and block the wind.

3. Should I treat for Varroa mites in the winter?

  • Answer: Monitoring the Varroa mite levels in the winter is not recommended. It is best to assume that Varroa mites exist. So, we highly recommend using the Oxalic Acid dribble method. This method calls for 50 ml per colony and no more than 10ml per frame of bees. Do not treat with Formic Pro or other acids.

In March, I treated with ApiGuard (Thymol). It was very effective and I highly This method is recommend the first week of March.

Questions About Pests and Diseases

4. How can I manage Varroa mites?

  • Answer: Use integrated pest management (IPM) techniques, including:
    • Screened bottom boards.
    • Drone comb trapping.
    • Chemical treatments like oxalic acid or formic acid.
    • Regular mite checks.

5. How do I protect my hives from yellow jackets in late summer?

  • Answer: Reduce hive entrances to make it easier for bees to defend the colony. Set up yellow jacket traps away from your hives.

6. What can I do to prevent small hive beetles?

  • Answer:
    • Keep hives strong and avoid leaving empty frames.
    • Use traps like beetle blasters or oil traps.
    • Avoid excessive moisture in the hive.

Questions About Local Conditions

7. What flowers and plants are best for bee forage in Northeast Ohio?

  • Answer: Plant a variety of nectar and pollen sources, including:
    • Spring: Dandelions, clover, maple, and fruit trees.
    • Summer: Basswood, sumac, wildflowers, and sunflowers.
    • Fall: Goldenrod, asters, and sedum.

8. How does Northeast Ohio’s weather affect beekeeping?

  • Answer: The cold, snowy winters and humid summers mean:
    • Hive insulation and moisture control are critical in winter.
    • Bees need plenty of ventilation during hot, humid weather.

Questions About Hive Management

9. When is the best time to split a hive?

  • Answer: Splitting is best done in late spring or early summer when the colony is strong, and nectar flow is abundant. Splitting the colony is a simulation of swarming. It is often referred to as artificial swarming. SCBA offers many events on this topic. Swarming should be prevented to avoid additional local regulations.

Questions About Legal and Local Regulations

11. Do I need to register my hives in Ohio?

  • Answer: Yes, Ohio law requires beekeepers to register their hives annually with the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

12. Are there any local restrictions on beekeeping in Northeast Ohio?

  • Answer: Check local ordinances, as some municipalities may have restrictions on hive placement or the number of hives allowed.

Questions About Beginner Beekeeping

13. What’s the best way to start beekeeping in Northeast Ohio?

  • Answer:
    • Attend a local beekeeping club meeting.
    • Take a beginner’s beekeeping class.
    • Purchase bees (nucs or packages) in spring.

14. How do I know if my hive is queenless?

  • Answer: Signs include:
    • Lack of eggs and brood.
    • An increase in drone brood.
    • Bees trying to create emergency queen cells.