Category: API of the month

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.

As temperatures rise in February, bee activity picks up again. Depending on the region, spring is beginning to take hold. However, it is important to remain vigilant in the face of possible frosts, which could affect the most fragile colonies.

A new year for beekeeping! On behalf of the entire API from SÜDZUCKER team, we wish you success, a dash of new things, may joy brighten your days and may your bees be watered with nectar… And especially after a very complicated year! Many of you have been following us (thank you for that!) and we’ll be continuing to support you for the fifth year already!

The fall in honey production in 2024 will have been uneven across France. Production in the north is down by 70%, while in the south it is down by around 30%. A shortfall of around 12,000 tonnes of honey for French beekeepers, according to ADA France.

The Beekeeping Congress in Tours brought together thousands of beekeeping enthusiasts last month! It was an opportunity to learn more from the conferences and discover new equipment at the stands.

Without food and varroa treatment, colonies will struggle through the winter. In this article, we will discuss the right habits to adopt to prepare your beehives properly. Next, we will look at the use of Amitraz and oxalic acid, which are widely used in France to combat varroa.

This July, a heatwave may hit the beehives in some regions! After a catastrophic start, things could still remain difficult if the flowers dry out. In this article, you will learn how heat affects bees, before we take a look at the basic equipment you need to visit the beehives.

In June, you need to keep a close eye on your food stocks! Spring has been very rainy this year — it has been one of the toughest in the last 10 years. In this issue, you will learn the scientific reason why bees sting, find out more about the stages of beehive transhumance and, finally, some tips for a healthy beehive.

Find out what beekeeping work needs to be done in May and learn more about propolis. You will also learn about the benefits of the different queen excluders, before receiving tips when it comes to harvesting spring honey.