Seems like only yesterday that the swarm hotline was buzzing and most of us were working hard to keep ahead of our colonies.  Well, for the most part swarm season is over and most of us have pulled our honey.  We are in the dearth and getting ready to turn our activities toward getting the bees set for winter.  But what about the beekeeper?  What should we be doing?  Well if you haven’t really thought about it I’ll try to steer some ideas your way.

 First off, give the bees a break.  There’s no need for weekly inspections.  In fact a quick check every other week is about all that is needed.  And know what your purpose is for going in the hive.  My last inspections took all of 5-10 minutes per hive and I knew I was queen-right.  I also accessed the supply of honey and pollen.  No need to pull all the frames.  Next inspection in a couple weeks may take 10-15 minutes due to the mite check needed.  Still keeping it brief.

Next, I’ll put in a plug for some continuing bee and beekeeping education.  I’m not referring to watching some YouTube videos.  Rather, get a solid book and do some reading.  There are literally tons to choose from depending on your knowledge and experience level.  I’ve recently reread “First Lessons in Beekeeping” by Keith Delaplane and would certainly recommend this to any novice beekeeper and even experienced beekeepers.  “The Hive and The Honey Bee” is another that I’m currently reading.  While not an easy read it will certainly challenge and increase your beekeeping knowledge.  But there are many, many others that will build a solid beekeeping foundation.  Dig in and enjoy.

 Lastly, I’ll put in a plug for the North Carolina Beekeepers Association.  And especially the Master Beekeeping Program.  There are four levels in the Master Beekeeping Program: Certified, Journeyman, Master, and Master Craftsman.  I encourage everyone to join and work toward being a Certified level beekeeper.  The certified level is the basic level.  It requires a fairly basic written test and a simple practical.  That along with a few months experience.  The Journeyman level is the second level and requires taking a written test, passing four of five oral type practicals, five service credits and one year as a certified level.  The Master and Master Craftsman have higher requirements.  As a Journeyman I can honestly say that as I strive to obtain the next level I’ve become a better beekeeper for it.  Studying and practicing for the requirements sharpens my beekeeping knowledge and skills.

  So as we head into the off-season and get ready for 2025, make sure you have a plan.  Where do you want to be next year in your beekeeping journey?  Not only in preparing you bees and equipment, but preparing yourself to be a better beekeeper.

– John K.