December is a quiet month in the apiary, but there is still important work to do. In this guide we look at winter food reserves, fondant and Apipasta feeding, timing oxalic acid varroa treatments, the latest Asian hornet developments in Ireland and how to use the quiet season to plan your 2026 beekeeping year.
With your bees tucked in for winter, November is a time to plan, protect, and prepare. From fondant feeding and Asian Hornet alerts to checking gear and thinking ahead for 2026, it’s all covered in this month’s Donegal Bees blog.
October marks the start of winter prep in the apiary. In this month’s guide, we cover fondant feeding, mouseguard fitting, Asian hornet awareness, and how to tidy your apiary for the cold season ahead. Your bees may be slowing down, but your support matters now more than ever.
As the season shifts, now’s the time to remove supers, treat for Varroa, and begin feeding if needed. Our September guide helps you finish the season strong and set your bees up for winter success.
August marks a turning point in the beekeeping year. This month is all about honey harvesting, monitoring varroa, and preparing for the months ahead. We’ve gathered advice for treatments, feeding, hive checks, and beginner beekeepers — plus a handy equipment list to help you stay organised.
July brings peak hive activity, honey harvests, and ongoing inspections. This guide covers adding supers, swarm checks, varroa monitoring, and keeping your bees healthy as the season reaches its height.
June is a busy month in the hive, with swarming at its peak and supers filling fast. This month’s blog covers swarm prevention, queen marking, honey harvesting, beginner tips, and essential June tasks to keep your bees thriving.
May brings peak colony growth, swarming risk, and the first big nectar flows. In this month’s guide, we cover inspections, Queen signs, feeding, and when to add supers. Whether you're starting a new colony or managing an established hive, this checklist will keep you on track.
April marks the true start of the beekeeping season. Colonies are expanding, brood is growing, and swarm prevention becomes key. In this month’s guide, we cover inspections, feeding advice, cleaning tips, and what to do if you're just getting started. Get your hives—and your tools—ready for the season ahead! 🐝🌼
As spring approaches, your bees are becoming more active, and March is a crucial time to check hive health, monitor food stores, and prepare your equipment for the season ahead. In this guide, we cover when to inspect your hive, early spring feeding tips, and essential beekeeping tasks to ensure your colony is ready for the months ahead. 🐝🌼
As winter fades, your bees are preparing for spring—and so should you! February is a crucial month for checking hive food stores, monitoring colony health, and getting equipment ready for the season ahead. In this guide, we cover essential February tasks, hive inspections, feeding tips, and what new and experienced beekeepers should focus on this month. 🐝
