🍁 November Beekeeping Guide: Winter Watch & Planning Ahead

As the season winds down, November brings a quieter rhythm to the apiary. Your bees are clustering for warmth, the queen’s laying has slowed, and your direct interventions are largely over — but don’t be sleeping just because your bees are! 

This is an essential time for planning, maintenance, and reflecting on the season just passed. Your bees may be tucked away, but your work is not done.

🐝 External Hive Checks

Avoid opening your hives unless absolutely necessary. Instead, focus on external signs of hive health:

✅ Roofs secure and waterproof

✅ Straps or bricks in place (especially after storms)

✅ Entrances clear, no blockages

✅ Mice or woodpecker activity? Fit mouse guards if you haven’t already

✅ On milder days, you may see brief cleansing flights – this is normal and healthy

✅ After any high winds or storms, check that hives are still upright, secure, and undisturbed 

If feeding with fondant, you can gently lift the roof and place it above the cluster, ideally over the feed hole in the crown board.

🐝 How much fondant do I need? We recommend offering around 2.5–5 kg per colony now, with a similar follow-up in January. Every hive is different, so if you're unsure - heft the hive or ask for advice!

🦠 Keep Varroa in Mind

Most autumn treatments should now be finished, but continue to monitor mite levels. A broodless period in late December offers an ideal window for oxalic acid treatment (we’ll cover that in next month’s blog).

If you still need to treat this month, or have concerns, get in touch and we’ll help you choose the right option.

🧰 Reflect, Review & Restock

Now’s the time to take stock of your entire operation and start thinking ahead. 

📝 How many hives are you currently running?

📈 Are you planning to expand next season — or stay the same?

🐝 Don’t end up with more hives than you can manage! Think about what number is sustainable for you.

Ask yourself: 

• Do I have enough equipment to match my plans?
• What did I use up this year? What do I need more of?
• Are my breeding and control plans in place?
• Were inspections regular enough this year?
• Do I need to improve colony health or reduce swarming risk?

 – How much extra gear will I need?

– Should I upgrade my honey room, extractor setup, or storage space? 

 🧰 Use the downtime to clean, repair, and assemble: 

🧹 Sterilise smokers and tools

🧱 Assemble and label frames

🛠 Patch and paint timberware

🛒 Reorder essentials before the rush

🌍 Asian Hornet Awareness

It’s now confirmed: Asian Hornets have been spotted in Ireland. 

 These invasive predators pose a serious threat to honeybee populations and biodiversity.

🟠 Be prepared: We now stock Vespacatch Traps and information leaflets to help you monitor safely.

📍 Do not place traps in your apiary — follow instructions carefully.

🔗 Join the Irish hornet watch network and report sightings immediately.

📍 Apiary Plans for the Year Ahead

Take a moment to assess your current location and setup:

🏡 Is your current apiary still suitable?

🌾 Can you expand there, or do you need to scout for a second site?

📦 Can you fit more hives — or is it time to invest in another spot?

These are the quiet season questions that help you grow strategically, rather than chaotically.

✅ November Checklist

⬜ Heft hives, add fondant if needed (2.5–5 kg)

⬜ Don’t open hives unless necessary

⬜ Strap hives securely & check after storms

⬜ Monitor mite levels

⬜ Finish equipment cleaning & frame building

⬜ Begin planning next season (stock, apiary layout, breeding goals)

⬜ Browse our Asian Hornet traps & guides

⬜ Review course notes, goals, and lessons learned

NEED HELP OR HAVE QUESTIONS?

💛 Thank you for all your hard work this year — your care, attention, and preparation now will give your bees the best chance to thrive next spring. We’re here if you need anything — just give us a shout.  Beachaireacht shona! 🐝