Hard to believe it’s already October, isn’t it? The leaves in Middlesex County are starting to turn their brilliant reds and golds, and there’s a definite chill in the air, especially in the mornings. While we’re all enjoying cozy sweaters and pumpkin spice, our busy bee girls are working overtime to get their hives ready for the long New England winter. As beekeepers, it’s our crucial role to lend a helping hand and ensure they have the best possible chance of surviving until spring.

Here in Middlesex County, our winters can be brutal, so now is not the time to be complacent. Let’s talk about the key tasks for getting your hives winter-ready this first week of October.

1. Assess Your Stores – Are They Heavy Enough?

This is perhaps the most critical step. A strong colony needs ample food reserves to make it through the winter. A good rule of thumb for our region is that a healthy, overwintering colony needs at least 60-90 pounds of honey stored away.

  • The “Heft Test”: Gently lift the back of your hive. Does it feel heavy, like a full sack of potatoes? That’s a good sign! If it feels light, it’s time to act.
  • Visual Inspection (Briefly!): On a warmer day (above 50°F), you can quickly pop the lid and lift a few frames from the top box. Look for capped honey. You want to see several frames completely full and capped.
  • Feed, Feed, Feed (If Needed!): If your colonies are light, don’t despair! Start feeding them a heavy syrup (2 parts sugar to 1 part water) immediately. You can use top feeders, division board feeders, or even inverted pails with small holes. The goal is to get them to pack away as much as possible before temperatures drop consistently below 50°F, as they won’t take syrup when it’s too cold. Consider adding a few drops of Honey-B-Healthy or similar bee feeding stimulants to encourage consumption.

2. Pest Management – Varroa Mite Check & Treatment

Varroa mites are the bane of a beekeeper’s existence, and high mite loads going into winter are a death sentence for a colony. Even if you treated earlier in the season, a late-season check is vital.

  • Alcohol Wash or Powdered Sugar Roll: Conduct a mite count to get an accurate assessment. If your mite levels are above the recommended threshold (typically 2-3 mites per 100 bees), you absolutely must treat.
  • Treatment Options: There are several effective treatments suitable for fall.
    • Formic Pro: Can be effective in a range of temperatures. Follow instructions carefully regarding temperature windows.
    • Oxalic Acid Dribble/Vapor: Highly effective on broodless colonies (often late November/December after a good cold snap), but can be used in October if you have a period of cooler temps that limits brood.
    • Apiguard/Thymovar: Also temperature-dependent but can be good fall options.
  • Act NOW: Don’t delay on mite treatment. The longer you wait, the less effective it will be, and the more damaged your winter bees will be.

3. Condensation & Ventilation – Key to Winter Survival

While you want to keep your bees warm, proper ventilation and managing condensation are equally important. Trapped moisture can lead to mold, sick bees, and overall colony decline.

  • Upper Entrance/Ventilation: Consider adding an upper entrance or creating some upper ventilation. This allows moist, warm air to escape and prevents it from raining back down on the cluster. A shim under the inner cover or a screened top board can work wonders.
  • Moisture Boards/Quilt Boxes: Many beekeepers swear by moisture boards or “quilt boxes” filled with absorbent material like wood shavings, straw, or even burlap above the inner cover. These absorb moisture and allow it to dissipate.
  • Reduce Entrance Size: While you want ventilation, reduce your main entrance reducer to the smallest opening to help the bees defend against robbing and keep drafts out.

4. Combine Weak Colonies & Requeen (If Necessary)

Two weak colonies going into winter are almost guaranteed to fail. One strong colony has a much better chance.

  • Combine: If you have a struggling colony with a low population, consider combining it with a stronger, healthier hive. Use the newspaper method for a smooth introduction.
  • Queen Right? Ensure all your colonies are queen right and that your queen is healthy and laying a good pattern. If you suspect a queenless colony or a failing queen, it’s likely too late to requeen in October in our area, but combining is still an option.

5. Mouse Guards – An Absolute Must!

Mice love a warm, cozy bee hive in the winter, and they can wreak havoc on your frames and stores.

  • Install Mouse Guards: Immediately put mouse guards on all your hive entrances. They’re inexpensive and essential. Make sure the opening is small enough to exclude mice but large enough for your bees to come and go.

A Look Ahead: November and Beyond

While these are your main tasks for early October, remember that winter preparations continue. As the weather gets colder, you’ll be thinking about:

  • Winter Wraps: Depending on your hive type and personal preference, you might consider insulating your hives with wraps later in November or December.
  • Windbreaks: Ensure your hives are protected from prevailing winter winds.
  • Monitoring: Keep an eye on your hives throughout winter. A quick check for activity on warmer days can give you clues about their health.

Getting our girls through winter is one of the biggest challenges for beekeepers in Middlesex County. By being proactive and taking these steps now, you’re significantly increasing their chances of emerging strong and healthy next spring. Happy beekeeping! 🐝