Winter: December, January, and February
Winter is planning season. Bees are mostly clustered inside the hive, and the beekeeper’s job is to prepare for spring.
Common winter tasks:
- Check hive entrances after snow, ice, or storms.
- Make sure colonies have enough stored food.
- Avoid opening hives during cold weather.
- Order bees, queens, packages, NUCs, woodenware, frames, and supplies early.
- Assemble and paint hive equipment before spring.
- Take classes, attend meetings, and prepare for the coming season.
During freezing weather, avoid feeding liquid syrup. Emergency food options such as fondant or dry sugar are safer in cold conditions.
Early Spring: March and April
Spring is one of the most important times in the beekeeping year. Colonies begin building up quickly, but they can still run short on food before strong nectar flow begins.
Common early spring tasks:
- Check food stores on warm days.
- Watch for signs of queen activity and brood buildup.
- Install new packages or NUCs when conditions are right.
- Feed new colonies as needed. Prepare for swarm season.
- Add space as the colony grows.
- Inspect for pests, disease, and winter damage.
March can be a risky starvation period because colonies are growing and using food quickly. Don’t assume they are fine just because they survived winter.
Late Spring and Early Summer: May and June
This is growth season. Colonies may expand fast, nectar flow may be strong, and swarm pressure can increase.
Common late spring and early summer tasks:
- Watch closely for swarm signs.
- Add brood boxes or honey supers when colonies need room.
- Stop feeding syrup once honey supers are added.
- Keep the bee yard trimmed and accessible.
- Make splits if you are expanding your apiary.
- Monitor brood pattern, queen performance, and colony strength.
- Keep extra equipment ready.
A strong colony can run out of room fast. This is the part of the year where “I’ll check next week” can become “welp, there goes half the hive.” Classic bee drama.
Summer: July and August
Missouri summers can be hot, dry, and stressful on colonies. Nectar flow may slow down, and pests can become a bigger problem.
Common summer tasks:
- Provide a reliable water source.
- Make sure hives have good ventilation.
- Check for hive beetles, wax moths, and varroa mites.
- Monitor food stores if nectar flow slows down.
- Harvest capped honey when ready.
- Freeze honey frames if hive beetles are a concern.
- Avoid unnecessary disruption during extreme heat.
Late July and early August are important times to monitor varroa mites, especially during hot weather when mite pressure can increase. MU Extension notes that treatment is indicated when more than 5% of the bee population is affected.
Fall: September and October
Fall is winter-prep season. The goal is to help colonies go into winter strong, healthy, and well-fed.
Common fall tasks:
- Check that colonies are queen-right.
- Make sure each hive has enough winter stores.
- Feed heavier syrup if needed. Reduce entrances as appropriate.
- Add mouse guards or hardware cloth.
- Combine weak colonies when necessary.
- Protect hives from winter winds.
- Complete final inspections before cold weather settles in.
MU Extension recommends making sure hives have honey or feed for winter consumption.
Late Fall: November
By November, most active hive work should be finished. This is a cleanup and preparation month.
Common late fall tasks:
- Store extra equipment properly.
- Clean and repair hive tools and boxes.
- Protect drawn comb from wax moths and mice.
- Review hive notes from the season.
- Plan improvements for next year.
- Attend club meetings and keep learning.
At this point, avoid opening hives unless conditions are warm enough and there is a real reason to inspect.
A Simple Rule for Every Month
The calendar is helpful, but the bees and the weather always get the final vote.
Before taking action, ask:
- Is the colony strong?
- Does the hive have enough food?
- Does the colony have enough room?
- Is the queen laying well?
- Are pests or diseases becoming a problem?
- Is the weather safe for inspection?
When in doubt, ask a mentor or bring your question to a Jefferson County Beekeepers Association meeting.
Need Help?
New and experienced beekeepers are welcome. Join us to learn more about local beekeeping, swarms, classes, mentoring, bee packages, NUCs, hive management, and seasonal colony care in Jefferson County, Missouri.