Put out wasp traps and ensure that hives have no gaps.
Collect an Asian Hornet bait station from the Association, place on a convenient windowsill or similar to monitor each day
Consider winter stores [I always leave a full Super on top of or below Brood Box] and augment as necessary with syrup or fondant. Average [!] colony needs circa 20kgs to see it through the winter, that’s a full super and three brood frames.
Review colonies with the aim of only taking strong colonies into winter, unite as necessary using paper method [not the Sun, the bees don’t like it]
Having removed honey Supers, treat for Varroa. In all cases read and follow the directions on your preferred treatment [NOTE that feeding and varroa treatment are both temperature dependent – don’t delay]. NOTE also that as the temperature drops, the bees are unable to process syrup, if necessary feed fondant either over the Crown board or directly on top of the frames, over a queen excluder [otherwise it makes a mess!]
Add mouseguards but ensure that they fit well, do not impede the bees and vitally, check through the winter to clear out any dead bees that may block the entrance.
As the weather deteriorates, add insulation to cedar hives along the suggestions provided at our recent Association meeting
Keep hives on some form of stand to avoid cold and damp on the ground. Ensure that the stands are robust and sit without rocking or tipping
Strap hives down to avoid wind and animal damage
I don’t know if Green Woodpeckers are a problem here but if so then consider covering hive in chicken wire
Finally, remove feeders and any left over bits of your varroa treatments [trays etc], clean all equipment, store Supers securely to avoid wax moth infestation [it seems we have something of a wax moth problem in Wiltshire and there is nothing worse than getting your Supers out in the Spring to find they have been decimated]. Stack them on a flat surface, use newspaper as a gasket between each one and make sure there are no gaps and cover them securely. Read up on using Acetic acid to kill wax moth but be aware of the risks using it.
Heft your hives, both sides through the winter to assess remaining stores [more difficult than you might think]
Purchase equipment, frames and foundation at the sales and make up new kit as required. Attend the Association frame making day to help us to help you for next year
Sit back smugly in the knowledge that you have done everything you can to help your bees survive the winter
