Goal: Early build-up, swarm prevention, and baseline health assessment.
Log Starting Colony Status
Log the following — this becomes your starting seasonal baseline.
- Queenright (queen seen or eggs present).
- Number of brood frames (open + capped).
- Number of food frames (nectar + capped honey).
- Presence of drones or drone brood.
- Population size (frames covered with bees).
- Visible disease symptoms (chalkbrood, DWV, etc.).
- Mite pressure (visual indicators; schedule a formal test).
Colony Size
Large Colony (8+ frames of bees)
Objectives
Prevent early congestion, support controlled expansion, reduce swarm likelihood.
Actions
- Leave 2 frames of capped honey per box.
- Remove excess capped honey frames.
- Too much stored honey can restrict brood space and encourage swarming.
- Checkerboard frames as needed.
- Add an additional box.
- New box placed on the bottom to help maintain brood temperature.
- Feed 1:1 syrup (with ProHealth) to stimulate brood production.
Mite Management
- Plan mite testing on next warm day (70°F+).
- Treat only if thresholds are exceeded.
- Preferred method: OA pads.
Smaller Colony (less than 8 frames of bees)
Objectives:
Build population strength and protect the brood nest.
Actions
- Encourage brood production.
- Confirm queen has space to lay.
- Add a new frame directly into brood area if needed.
- Feed 1:1 syrup consistently.
- Provide small protein patty to support brood rearing.
Notes
- Avoid over-expanding space.
- Maintain warmth and tight brood nest.
Feeding
- 1:1 syrup for stimulation.
- ProHealth added to syrup.
- Protein patties only for smaller or brood-limited colonies.
Mite Monitoring
- Perform mite counts on first suitable warm day (70+Degrees).
- Record results for trend tracking.
- Treat if thresholds are exceeded. Treat all hives at the same time.
Housekeeping
- Clean bottom boards and debris inserts.
- Remove equipment from failed hives.
- Clean and prep feeders.
- Paint and repair boxes.
- Stage equipment for March expansion.
February Reminder
Too much honey, too little space, and rapid brood expansion = swarm pressure.
