08/12/2024
🐝 ? ❄️
With the onset of winter 🌬️, the needs of bees 🍯 change significantly, making it essential to take care of the colonies to ensure they remain strong and healthy. Here are the most important steps to follow during this period:
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1. Proper nutrition 🍽️
At this time, sources of nectar and pollen 🌼 decrease, so bees must be compensated with artificial nutrition:
Sugar syrup 🥤: in a ratio of 2:1 (sugar to water) to store food.
Protein tablets 💪: to support brood health in case of pollen shortage.
Hard sweets 🍬: to provide colonies with energy on cold days.
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2. Cleaning and arranging the cells 🧹
Removing empty or old combs 📦: to reduce the space of the cell, which helps the bees to maintain heat 🔥.
Checking the quality of the wax combs 🕯️: Replace damaged combs to avoid the spread of pests.
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3. Pest and disease control 🐜
Varroa 🕷️: Use effective treatments such as Apistan strips or formic acid 💊.
Waxworms 🐛: Check the cells regularly and clean their surroundings.
Signs of diseases 🚨: such as Nosema or brood rot, and take action quickly.
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4. Providing warm shelter for the bees 🏠
Protecting the cells from the wind 💨: Place them in a protected place.
Isolating the cells 🧣: Use insulating materials to keep the colonies warm.
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5. Good ventilation 🌬️
Make sure there is good ventilation to avoid moisture 💧 accumulating inside the hive, as it can cause serious diseases.
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6. Check colonies regularly 🔍
Check for the presence of the queen 👑 and ensure the safety of the brood 🥚.
Make sure there are sufficient quantities of stored food 🛒.
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7. Planning for spring 🌱
Replace weak queens if necessary.
Prepare your hives to be ready for the first light of the new season 🌸.
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🌟 Additional information
If you are in an area with eucalyptus or sage 🌲 flowers, consider moving your hives there to provide a natural food source for the bees at this time.
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🐝 Do you have other strategies for maintaining bee colonies? Share your ideas in the comments 💬!
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