The Hive Almanac

Hive Management

8 guides

Learn when and how to requeen a hive, from removing the old queen to safely introducing a new one, including tips for requeening a mean colony.

Learn how to inspect a beehive with confidence: what to look for, how often to check, and the step-by-step routine every new beekeeper needs.

A practical guide to winterizing a beehive, from assessing food stores to wrapping hives for winter. Get your colony through to spring.

Spring hive management starts with space and swarm prevention. Learn what to do during spring inspections as your colony doubles in size.

Learn how to prevent swarming, catch a swarm that's already left, and set up a swarm trap. Practical swarm control for backyard beekeepers.

Learn how to split a beehive to prevent swarming, increase your colonies, and keep your bees productive all season long.

Learn when to add a honey super using the 7/10 frame rule, how to use a queen excluder, and why timing matters for your honey harvest.

Learn how to spot the queen bee during a hive inspection, when you actually need to, and what to do if you can't find her.