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Spring is right around the corner, which means it’s time to get everything in order before the bees kick into high gear. The last thing you want is to scramble for equipment when your hives need space, so now’s the time to take stock, make repairs, and get ahead of the game.
Take Inventory
First things first—what do you have, and what do you need? Go through everything:
Hive bodies and supers
Bottom boards, inner covers, outer covers
Frames and foundation
Queen excluders, feeders, spare boxes
If you're expanding this year, make sure you have enough gear ready to go before the season gets busy. It’s easier to prep now than mid-flow when the bees need more space.
Check for Damage
Winter is rough on woodenware, and stored equipment isn’t immune to issues either. Look for:
Cracks, warping, or rot—Replace what’s too far gone.
Mold or mildew—A light bleach solution (1:10) works, but let it dry completely.
Weak joints—Reinforce anything loose with glue and screws.
Pest damage—Check for wax moths, mouse nests, or anything that shouldn’t be there.
Fix It Now, Not Later
If something’s broken but fixable, now’s the time:
Re-glue and reinforce joints—Frames, hive bodies, bottom boards.
Sand down rough edges—Smoother wood is easier to work with.
Repaint or stain—Protects from weather, but use bee-safe materials.
Replace brittle foundation—If it’s falling apart, toss it.
Build What You Need
If you’re adding hives or need replacement parts, go ahead and build now. That means:
Assembling and painting woodenware so it’s dry and ready.
Putting together frames and foundation so they’re not in pieces when you need them.
Setting up swarm traps if you plan on catching feral bees this season.
Sterilize & Clean Equipment
Reusing old equipment? Make sure it’s disease-free:
Scorch with a propane torch—Quick, effective, and kills anything lingering.
Soak in a bleach solution—Works for plastic foundation and wooden parts (rinse well).
Vinegar soak—For propolis and wax buildup.
Check Your Bee Yard
Before spring gets wild, take a look at your setup:
Make sure hive stands are sturdy and level.
Clear out weeds or debris from around the hives.
Check that lids fit tight and nothing’s been knocked out of place.
Final Prep
If you're installing packages, making splits, or expecting swarms, have everything ready before you need it. Spare hive boxes, extra frames, swarm lure—have it all set so you’re not scrambling.
A little prep now saves a lot of hassle later. Get your gear in order, and when the bees are ready, so are you.
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