As winter has (hopefully) made its final stand across much of the Midwest and East Coast, beekeepers are beginning to look ahead to a busy and critical time in the apiary. A few warm days can quickly shift our focus from survival to preparation. Spring buildup will be here before we know it – and has already started in warmer regions.
This is a season where decisions matter. Colonies are beginning to raise more brood, populations are slowly (or quickly in some cases) increasing, and the groundwork for the upcoming nectar flow is already being laid.
Seasonal Beekeeping Tip: Spring Varroa Management
As colonies begin their spring buildup, one of the most important things a beekeeper can do is have a plan for managing Varroa mites.
Varroa destructor remains one of the leading causes of colony loss, and spring is a critical time to get ahead of it.
As your bees ramp up brood production in preparation for the nectar flow, mite populations can grow right alongside them. Left unchecked, this can weaken your colony before it ever reaches its full potential for the season.
Now is the time to:
• Decide on your mite management strategy for the year
• Plan your monitoring schedule (alcohol washes, sugar rolls, etc.)
• Consider timing treatments around brood cycles and nectar flow
• Ensure you have supplies on hand before the season gets busy
Spring management isn’t just about growth—it’s about setting your colony up for long-term success. A proactive approach now can make all the difference later in the season.
How is spring key to a successful beekeeping year? – PerfectBee
Ana’s Journey to Beekeeping
From Bolivia to Bees continues this week with a reflective and inspiring chapter:
Pesky Bee Pests: Varroa Mites, Hive Beetles & Beekeeping Challenges
This week’s blog dives into one of the less glamorous—but absolutely essential—parts of beekeeping: pest management.
From small hive beetles and wax moths to the dreaded Varroa mites, today’s beekeepers face challenges that go far beyond simply harvesting honey. These pests can weaken colonies, spread disease, and even lead to total hive loss if left unchecked.
Ana shares her firsthand experiences, lessons learned (sometimes the hard way), and why staying proactive is key to keeping your bees healthy and thriving. She also touches on practical tips, common warning signs, and the importance of having a mentor to guide you through the ups and downs of beekeeping.
If you’ve ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes in a beehive—or why modern beekeeping is as much science as it is art—this is a must-read.
Pesky Pests: Hive Beetles & Beekeeping Challenges
Beekeeping News: Supporting Bees at the Local Level
Concerns about declining bee populations continue across the U.S., with experts pointing to a mix of challenges including pests, disease, pesticide exposure, and habitat loss. These pressures not only affect beekeepers but also have broader implications for agriculture and food production.
Local beekeepers, like those at Sadie Grace Farms in Texas, are helping lead the response through education and community outreach—reminding us that pollinators play a vital role in our food system, contributing to roughly one out of every three bites we eat.
Encouragingly, hobbyist beekeepers and local support efforts are making a difference in some areas. Simple actions—like supporting local beekeepers, planting pollinator-friendly spaces, and safely relocating swarms instead of destroying them—can all help strengthen bee populations.
As we head into spring, it’s a timely reminder that strong, healthy colonies start with attentive stewardship at the local level.
Sadie Grace Farms beekeeper prioritizes education to protect pollinators at home
In the Shop: A Few Seasonal Savings
As many beekeepers begin getting back into their hives for spring inspections, it’s a good time to make sure your gear and supplies are ready for the busy season ahead.
For a limited time, we’re offering a few seasonal savings on select items:
30% Off:
• Partially-Ventilated Bee Suit
• Lyson Jacket
15% Off:
• Plastic Frames with Beeswax-Coated Foundation
• Ultimate Direct Feeder
• Varroa EasyCheck
These are tools many beekeepers rely on during spring buildup—whether it’s staying comfortable during inspections, feeding when needed, or monitoring mite levels.
The sale runs through Wednesday, April 1st.
If you’ve been meaning to pick up any of these items, now may be a good time to do so.
The PerfectBee Beekeeping Store
The transition from winter to spring is one of the most important—and unpredictable—times in beekeeping. While the weather may keep us guessing, our role remains the same: stay observant, stay prepared, and support our colonies as they build toward the season ahead.
From managing pests to preparing equipment and watching populations grow, this is where the foundation for a successful year truly begins.
Thanks for being part of the PerfectBee community—and here’s to a strong start to the season ahead.
Warm regards,
The PerfectBee Team
