Whether you are just starting to invite bees into your garden or are an established beekeeper already reaping the sweet rewards, you know that it is important to ensure your bees are happy and healthy! Here are 7 tips that will help your bees not only survive, but thrive this season.

Clean Hives and Equipment

It is important to purchase clean hives and equipment to avoid disease. If you are new to beekeeping, the Little Giant® 10-Frame Deluxe Beginner Hive Kit will set you up with everything you need to keep your bees secure, healthy, and happy!

Keep apiary equipment clean

Cleaning your equipment regularly can prevent pests and disease from taking over your hive. Make sure to clean smokers, hive tools, and other apiary equipment of any accumulations of wax, propolis, or honey before starting a new hive.

Provide water for a hydrated hive

Just like all other creatures, bees need to have constant access to a safe and clean water source. Keep a shallow dish or bird bath that provides a safe space to land nearby.

Plant lots of flowers

Ensure your bees’ happiness by planting lots of flowers that they can use as sugars and proteins from the nectar and pollen. They need these to grow healthy and reproduce, so be sure to not only plant an abundance, but also a variety that bloom at different times and different heights. Not every bee eats the same!

Let the air flow

When temperatures start heating up, it is important to let the air flow to prevent your hive from overheating and the honey melting. This could both ruin your honey crop and your bees’ winter food supply! You can prevent this by using the Little Giant® Beehive Screened Bottom Board and Inner Cover.

 

Expand the hive when necessary

When your busy bees have filled up the frames with bees and brood, it is time to expand your hive! You can simply add the Little Giant® 10-Frame Medium or Deep Box right on top of your current hive.

 

Inspect regularly and stay alert

When it comes to monitoring your bees’ overall health and happiness, bee-ing alert and performing regular hive inspections are key. Keep an eye out for beehive pests and diseases that may develop and prevent your bees from being healthy and happy. For more tips, check out "How to Keep Bees Calm" from Beekeeping Like A Girl. Already using products from our Little Giant^® Beekeeping collection? Show us how your hives are doing!