A Beekeeper's Year

The following guidelines are for the Washington, DC area. This timeline is approximate based on local weather and the condition of the hive.

January
If bees are flying on a warm day, open hive and check for reserves.
Cluster should be near top of box. Do not remove frames or disturb the cluster!
Emergency feed as necessary.

February
If temps are 50 degrees or higher for a few days and the overnights do not drop below 45 degrees, inspect a few frames and assess the condition of the hive.
Continue feeding as necessary.

March
The hive population will have increased and nectar flow begun.
Reverse brood chambers to give the queen room to lay.
Remove entrance reducers/mice screens.
Monitor and discontinue feeding as necessary.
When bees no longer take feed, add honey super.
Good time to equalize hives - combine weak hives with strong hives.

April
Hives should be in full swing and full of bees.
Get honey supers on! (Add queen excluders if comb is drawn.)
April and May is the critical time frame for swarming. Have a swarm strategy. Make splits.

May
Keep an eye out for swarms.
Inspect hives every other week to ensure a good laying queen.

June
Continue to inspect hives every other week to ensure a good laying queen.
Add queen excluders if not already on.

July
Harvest honey.
Check ventilation.

August
This is a hot time with dearth of nectar and pollen. Bees will be cranky. Let them be!

September
Feed as necessary.
Medicate for AFB, EFB, and Nosema.
Treat for Varroa.

October
Population of the hive begins to decrease.
Continue feeding as necessary.

November 
Prepare hive for winter.
Place mouse guards at entrance.
Bees will be clustered on coldest days.
Continue feeding as necessary as long as overnight temps remain above freeing.

December
Bees will be clustered.
Plan for the coming bee year.