We’re pleased to share this week’s PerfectBee Buzz, featuring timely tips, stories, and insights to help you support your colonies through the cold and prepare for the season ahead.
Winter Beekeeping Tip: You’ve Got This!
Much of the country is facing deeper cold and harsher winter conditions than usual this year — even regions that rarely see freezing temperatures. For many beekeepers, this brings a new wave of worry: Did I do enough? Will my bees survive?
Even the most seasoned beekeepers know that winter beekeeping anxiety never truly goes away. No matter how well you prepare, some colonies will struggle while others thrive — that’s the humbling beauty and challenge of beekeeping.
If temperatures remain extremely cold, the best thing you can do is practice patience. Let the bees do what they do best — they are remarkably capable of surviving the cold.
If this is your first winter, you may feel like you’ve been thrown straight into the fire. Remember, every beekeeper has stood where you are now. If your colonies don’t make it, take time to reflect, learn, and try again. Every loss teaches valuable lessons that strengthen you as a beekeeper. Here are a few reassuring mid-winter reminders:
Dead bees outside the hive can be a good sign.
It means your colony is still active and cleaning house — a natural part of winter survival.
Some dead bees inside the hive are normal, too.
If you see dead bees on the bottom board, it doesn’t necessarily mean trouble. The colony may simply be too cold to break cluster and remove them yet.
There’s a balance to what’s normal.
A small number of dead bees is expected, but large piles spilling out the entrance could signal a deeper issue worth noting once temperatures rise.
Listening for life.
If curiosity gets the best of you, a gentle knock on the side of the hive can sometimes prompt a faint buzz — a reassuring sign of life inside.
If the buzz sounds high in the hive, the bees may have eaten through much of their stores and could need emergency feed once weather allows.
That said, some beekeepers caution that knocking can stress the cluster and cause them to break prematurely, so use this method sparingly.
For help diagnosing winter losses, read our article:
Ana’s Journey to Beekeeping
Ana’s multi-part From Bolivia to Bees series continues as she takes the next big step in her journey — setting up her very first hive.
In The Perfect Beehive Set-Up, Ana reflects on the excitement, anticipation, and thoughtful decision-making behind creating a welcoming home for her bees. From choosing a location that balances sunlight and shade to crafting a DIY hive stand, ensuring nearby water access, and considering guests on her property — Ana captures the delicate mix of practicality and passion that every new beekeeper feels.
Read Ana’s Latest Story:
https://test.perfectbee.com/beekeeper-stories/ana/the-perfect-beehive-set-up
The PerfectBee Buzz: A New Way to Treat for Varroa
With spring just around the corner, now is the time to start planning your Varroa mite treatment strategy — and a new option has arrived that’s changing the game.
Api-Bioxal RTU (Ready-to-Use) removes the need for mixing sugar syrup or using a vaporizer. This pre-mixed, sugar-free oxalic acid dribble treatment delivers consistent results while lasting longer inside the hive, since it doesn’t encourage bees to consume it.
It’s simpler, safer, and longer-lasting — a reliable option for modern mite management. With EPA approvals continuing to expand state-by-state, Api-Bioxal RTU is quickly becoming a trusted choice among beekeepers preparing for spring.
*EPA approvals are expanding daily. Please check your state’s availability before placing an order. Our product listing includes the most up-to-date list of approved states.
Learn more in our full article:
Api-Bioxal RTU: A Safer, Simpler Oxalic Acid Treatment for Beekeepers
Shop Api-Bioxal RTU:
As winter holds on a little longer, remember — every season brings new lessons, and spring will be here before we know it.
Stay warm, stay curious, and keep learning alongside your bees.
Warm regards,
The PerfectBee Team
