Beekeeping Tips for October
by Todd Balsiger
October is a transition month from fall to winter in our
weather. Generally, the weather is relatively benign for
the first two or three weeks, and then winter arrives in
earnest by Halloween, or so. The maximum daily high
temperature for Salem in October is 64.3oF; it is
52.3oF in November. This is our last
opporutnity to feed syrup and finalize winter preparation
before dormancy.
- Continue to check for light hives. Heft hives (lift one
side up). They should be notablly heavy. If not, feed a
saturated sugar solution (60% sugar; balance water by
weight). Feed early enough to allow syrup to ripen.
- Because of Nosema apis
and especially Nosema
ceranae, feed two gallons of Fumadil-B medicated
syrup. If feeding for weight, this medicated srup should be
fed last.
- Place a barrier between the bottom of the hive and the
ground. Pallets are ideal for this.
- Keep hives exposed to the sun with entrances faced away
from prevailing winds.
- Tilt hives so water drains away from the entrance.
Ensure proper ventilation and that lids do not leak.
- Add entrance reducers/mouse guards.
- All superfluous items within the hive, e.g., Varroa treatmetns,
queen excluders, and extra rims, should be removed by now.
- Find and remove deadouts. Place all unused
equipment in storage.
- Protect frames. Moth crstals (paradichlorobenzene)
are typicall used for this purpose. Stack supers (or
brood boxes), and put crystals on a piece of paper on top of
every 5th super, or so. Then palce a lid on top.
Vapors kill moths and larvae, but not eggs.
Freezing is an option and will kill eggs. Also,
wax moth activity is supressed if supers (and the frames
within) are left open and exposed to light.
- If hives are opened/lids lifted late in the active
season (or past), the propolis seals have been broken.
Take care to secure the lids to keep them from being
blown off during winter winds.
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