Mathieu DOMECQ
Editor-in-chief of the API of the Month and Blog
The start of October was marked by a major event for the beekeeping sector in France: The European Beekeeping Congress in Agen, a highlight for all enthusiasts, offering an opportunity to come together and exchange ideas.
We will discuss the importance of replacing the wax in the hive. The gradual removal of old wax and its strategic replacement are essential to safeguarding the health of the brood in the face of impurities that have accumulated over the course of the season.
This month’s work
October marks the definitive arrival of autumn at the apiary. The days are getting shorter, the temperatures are dropping and the bees’ activity is slowing down significantly. As preparations for wintering draw to a close, the beekeeper must make sure to carry out the very final adjustments to ensure the colonies can rest through the winter. This is the very last opportunity to tend to the hives and secure them before the first severe cold spells arrive.
Here are the essential tasks to carry out at the apiary during October:
The final autumn inspection: Check the condition of the colonies one last time on a mild day (above 15°C). This involves checking for the presence of the queen and observing the development of winter bees through the presence of a healthy, compact brood. After this period, opening the hives should be avoided so as not to chill the brood.
Top up food reserves: Ensure the hive is heavy enough (around 10 to 15 kg of honey in reserve). This is often the last month in which to provide syrup-based feed such as Apiinvert. After that, Apifonda-type candy could take over if emergency supplementation is still required, as the bees are no longer able to absorb and digest cold syrup.
This month’s nectar-bearing flowers
ivy (the season’s main source of pollen and nectar), late mustard and arbutus.
