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On a warm day that is above 10°C, make an initial 'quick' inspection to see how many frames the bees are on and whether the queen is laying. Do not waste time looking for the queen; look for brood. |
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Seal or remove any colonies that have died out to prevent robbing and spread of possible disease, and investigate the reason for their demise. |
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Consider feeding pollen or pollen supplement and syrup if the bees cannot get out because of bad weather. |
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| Ensure record cards are ready for 2021 | |
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Remove mouse guards and pest protection, e.g., for woodpeckers, when the weather is warm enough |
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| Make up clean brood boxes with waxed frames ready for use. | |
| Test for nosema in hives that are not thriving | |
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As soon as it is warm enough, around 14°C conduct a thorough disease inspection and check varroa levels to ensure treatments have been effective. The spring inspection is very important as it enables vital husbandry decisions to be made before any honey flows begin. |
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| Replace any older dark combs. | |
| Swarming: At the end of March, if it is warm and drones are being produced, watch out for swarm cells and swarming preparations. A warm March can produce a fast build-up, and bees that are prone to swarming or those that have no room may take you by surprise as they disappear over the hedge! | |