March Beekeeping Guide: What to Look Out For & Essential Hive Management Jobs

As we move into March, the beekeeping season starts to wake up. The days are getting longer, the temperature is (slowly) rising, and our bees are becoming more active. This is a critical time for hive management—getting things right now can set up your colonies for a strong and productive year ahead.

What to Look Out for in Your Hives

1. Winter Survival & Colony Strength

   • Open your hives only on mild, calm days (above 10°C) to avoid chilling the brood.

   • Check how many frames of bees are present—this gives you an idea of colony strength.

2. Food Stores & Emergency Feeding

   • March is often the hungriest month for bees. Winter stores may be running low, but forage is still limited.

   • Heft the hive or inspect frames to check food levels. If stores are low, feed with fondant or sugar syrup (1:1 mix of sugar and water) to prevent starvation.

3. Queen Viability & Brood Development

   • Look for fresh eggs and larvae—signs that the queen is alive and laying.

   • If no brood is present, it may indicate queen loss or failure, requiring intervention.

4. Pest & Disease Watch

   • Varroa Mite Levels: If you haven’t treated over winter, check for signs of varroa and consider a spring treatment if necessary.

   • Nosema & Dysentery: Look for brown streaks on the hive—this could be a sign of stress or disease.

March Beekeeping Jobs

1. Prepare for the First Full Inspections

• Start planning for your first proper hive inspections in April. Make sure you have clean hive tools, frames, and spare boxes ready.

2. Add Pollen Supplements (if needed)

• If natural pollen sources are still scarce, consider feeding a pollen supplement to encourage early brood rearing.

3. Clean & Repair Equipment

• Inspect and clean spare hive parts—boxes, frames, queen excluders—to be ready for spring splits or swarming season.

• Replace any old, moldy, or damaged frames with fresh foundation.

4. Plan for Swarm Management

• Strong colonies will start preparing to swarm in April and May.

• Consider marking your queens now (if possible) to make future inspections easier.

5. Check for Early Forage

• Encourage pollinator-friendly planting in and around your farm. Willow, crocus, dandelions, and hazel are great early pollen sources.

Final Thoughts

March is a make-or-break month for many colonies. Careful feeding, disease checks, and preparing for the season ahead will give your bees the best chance for a strong start. A little attention now will mean healthier hives, better honey production, and fewer problems down the road.

Keep an eye on the weather, and as soon as conditions allow, start planning for your first full hive inspections of the year. Happy beekeeping!