In March, French beekeeping enters a decisive phase. While the media reports annually on winter colony losses and growing concerns in the beekeeping world, work in the apiary resumes in earnest. After several months of discreet monitoring and limited intervention, it is time for initial assessments and important technical decisions.
A very happy end of the year to you and your bees from the entire API team! A new season is being prepared, but always the same objective for us: to accompany you through our articles and offer you the best food for your bees.
In December, the beekeeper’s main task is to ensure that there is enough food in the hive for the bees to survive the winter. The beekeeper must therefore keep an eye on the weight of each individual colony. This month, we look at the connection between propolis and wax production. We also talk about global honey production and the traceability of its origin.
In November, the beekeeper’s main objective is to ensure the survival of the colonies during the winter. He must ensure that the hives are well protected from cold, humidity and predators, while avoiding unnecessary disturbance.
September usually marks the end of the season and the start of honey bottling. However, 2025 continues to be affected by the aftermath of last year, with production still severely impacted by the climate and pests.
August is one of the strongest months for beekeeping. After a very difficult year in 2024, marked by a sharp drop in honey production, we’re hoping that the bees will have bounced back sufficiently this season!
July is generally a quieter time for beekeepers, with the exception of professionals on transhumance who alternate for example between harvesting lime trees or brambles.
May is a crucial time for beekeepers. After the rape flowers have bloomed, it’s time to start extracting the honey. The nectar harvested during this period is at its peak, but beware: if the beekeeper waits too long, the honey starts to crystallise in the cells, making extraction increasingly complex. Good hive management is therefore essential to ensure an optimum harvest.
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.
In March, temperatures stabilize in the south of France. Professional beekeepers are already stimulating their colonies to start rearing quickly, whereas in recreational beekeeping, hives won’t be opened until after the end of the month, or as soon as temperatures stabilize above 14°C.
