The Blooming Sage: Tips and Tales from Buzzing Timber Lake Bluff

Hello, beekeeping friends! Winter has settled in, and it’s time to ensure our bees not only survive but thrive through the colder months. In regions like ours, where mild days can alternate with freezing nights, proper hive nutrition is critical. With spring just a few months away, now is the perfect time to set your colonies up for success. This guide covers everything you need to know about pollen supplementation, from traditional methods like patties and dry pollen to cutting-edge strategies like probiotics and eco-friendly alternatives. Plus, we’ll explore the risks of overfeeding, beginner-friendly tips, and the importance of timing for colony health. Why Supplement Bees with Pollen? 🌸 Pollen is essential for honeybee health, providing the proteins and nutrients bees need to rear brood, maintain energy, and build fat stores. Sometimes, nature falls short, and that’s where supplementation comes in. Key reasons to supplement: Winter Survival: Bees rely on fat stores to stay healt...

 As the crisp autumn air begins to settle in, it's crucial for beekeepers to take proactive steps to ensure their colonies are healthy and strong before the winter months arrive. The preparation you do now will determine your bees' survival through the cold and their productivity come spring. Here’s a guide to what you should be doing for your honeybees right now: 1. Conduct a Comprehensive Hive Inspection 🔍 Before the weather turns too cold, perform a thorough inspection of your hives. Look for signs of disease, pests, or any other issues that could weaken the colony over the winter. A healthy hive will have: Active, calm bees : Bees should be calmly moving about the hive. Aggressive behavior or lethargy can indicate problems. Brood patterns : There should be consistent and healthy brood patterns, indicating a strong queen. Adequate food stores : Check that the hive has sufficient honey reserves to last through the winter.   Beekeeping Inspection Tools Not sure how to inspec...