“October, baptize me with leaves! Swaddle me in corduroy and nurse me with split pea soup. October, tuck tiny candy bars in my pockets and carve my smile into a thousand pumpkins. O autumn! O teakettle! O grace!”
― Rainbow Rowell, Attachments

It’s October! The weather is getting colder, the blooms of goldenrod and aster are quickly diminishing, and the Hollowing is just around the corner. This is the right time to think about readying your beehives for the upcoming winter. Diseases from mite infestation, starvation, and moisture could all cause the demise of your colonies during the winter, but you can take action to give your bees the best chance possible.

For example: Have you treated your hive for Varroa? Are you leaving sufficient (60+ lb.) honey for your bees? I like upper hive entrances for the winter, but not everyone does. Regardless, be sure you don’t bundle up your hive too tight! Bees, like us, need to breathe too. It’s a great idea to also use an entrance reducer to keep mice out of your hives. The bottom line is – take care of your bees so they’ll be ready, happy, and alive in the spring to make honey and liven up your garden!

If you’re not sure what to do, simply come to the club with these and other tough beekeeping questions for our many experienced members. You’ll be amazed by how happy they are to share their experience and knowledge with you.

As we approach the holiday season, I want to remind you that our club’s 2019 holiday party will be on Sunday, December 8th, 2019. We always have a terrific time with delicious food, wonderful company, and great music – this year will be no exception. Come join us!

Steve Chen
Club President, LIBC