Mathieu DOMECQ Editor of the API of the month and the Blog
In April, the weather gets milder and the rapeseed fields blossom. Experienced beekeepers start to prepare for swarming and install the supers. It has been claimed that rapeseed could be the cause of swarm fever.
This month, we’ll be exploring the crucial role of drones within the hive. Then we’ll learn how to identify queen cells in all situations.
Did you know? Each colony is preparing for the birth of 1,000 males in early spring to ensure the fertilisation of the queens.
Tasks of the month
With the arrival of rapeseed, beekeepers have a lot to do. Some hives need to be divided and/or new supers added. Here’s what you need to do in April, at the start of the season:
Divide your colony: growth is exponential at the moment. Some swarms have 6 to 8 frames of brood and the queen is running out of room. This is the time to make an artificial swarm before swarming. Remove 3 frames (open brood, closed brood and food) from your hive to reconstitute a new colony in a beehive. Replace the frames you have removed with waxed ones.
Install the supers: if your hive is strong and occupying almost all the frames with a large proportion of brood, it’s time to install the supers, especially if there is rapeseed nearby.
Feed the bees: if the brood is not very well developed or if honey reserves are too low, give a little syrup (APIINVERT) and protein candy to stimulate the bees and prevent deficiencies.
Melliferous flowers of the month
Rapeseed and fruit trees
