Washington Beekeeping Calendar

Cool and damp rather than deeply cold — manage moisture.

• •Provide top ventilation or a moisture quilt; wet is deadlier than cold here.
• •Heft for weight and add fondant if light.
• •Leave the cluster undisturbed on cold, rainy days.

Build-up begins with orchard and maple bloom.

• •First full inspection between rain spells; confirm the queen.
• •Take a varroa count and treat if above threshold.
• •Add space and feed 1:1 syrup if a wet spring stalls foraging.

Blackberry and wildflower flow with strong swarm pressure.

• •Super ahead of the blackberry flow.
• •Inspect weekly for swarm cells; split or manage crowded colonies.
• •Make increase and requeen during the flow.

Main flow continues inland; watch for a dry-summer dearth.

• •Keep supers ahead of the bees during the flow.
• •Provide water in dry inland areas.
• •Monitor mites monthly.

Harvest and the critical mite treatment window.

• •Pull and extract capped honey.
• •Do your late-season mite treatment as supers come off.
• •Assess stores for the wet months ahead.

Prep for a mild, wet winter.

• •Feed 2:1 syrup to top up stores before the rains set in.
• •Set up ventilation and tilt lids to shed condensation.
• •Reduce entrances and add mouse guards.