What month do bees make honey?

What month do bees make honey?

The most active honey-producing months are usually June, July, and August, but this may vary depending on location and climate. In a tropical climate, bees will work year-round, although their honey output will be affected by seasonal changes in the plants that are available to them.

Do bees produce honey the first year?

It is unlikely that you will harvest any honey your first season of beekeeping. Although, some new beekeepers with perfect conditions and a bit of luck can harvest some honey their first season, albeit rare. It will take a new beehive around 4 months to produce honey but not necessarily enough to be harvested.

How do you know when the honey flow starts?

The only precise way to be aware of the honey flow is to check the behavior of your bees. The most obvious sign is the level of activity and the number of bees out foraging. Bees will come back to the hive fully loaded with nectar, while other bees are leaving to gather still more.

What time of year do honey bees swarm?

Most swarming activity takes place from April through May. Bees don’t swarm during the rain, so this year we will most likely see the time frame pushed back a few weeks. Honey bees, Apis mellifera, swarm for one of two reasons.

How long does a beehive last?

Worker bees who are born in the spring and summer live about 6 to 8 weeks, whereas worker bees born in the fall live 4 to 6 months. The difference lies in the fact that spring and summer are much more active seasons for honey bees than the cooler months.

Should I harvest honey the first year?

As general rule of thumb, do not take honey from a colony in its first year. Often the bees aren’t strong enough yet to make an excess amount and they need every drop they have to make it through winter. If your colony is strong and has plentiful stores, how much you can harvest varies greatly by geographical location.

What is the best time to start bee keeping?

spring
Much like gardening, beekeeping tasks are best divided by the season. The best time to start your hive is in the spring so that the colony you begin with has time to build up, lay brood (baby bees), increase in number, and store honey before the winter sets in.