April is a critical month in the beekeeping calendar. As colonies grow and nectar begins to flow, it’s time to stay on top of inspections, manage population booms, and prepare for honey production. Here’s your step-by-step checklist:

1. Inspect Hives Regularly (Every 7–10 Days)
Check for queen presence, strong brood patterns, and signs of swarming. Clean up burr comb and ensure bees have space to grow.

2. Manage Swarming Behavior
Look for queen cells and overcrowding. Add space, make splits, or remove swarm cells to prevent colony loss.

3. Feed When Necessary
If natural nectar is limited, feed 1:1 sugar syrup and supplement with pollen patties. Be cautious not to overfeed once the flow begins.

4. Begin Supering for Honey Production
Add supers before the main nectar flow. Consider using queen excluders and check supers weekly for progress.

5. Continue Mite Monitoring
Use a sugar roll or alcohol wash to check mite levels. Treat early if necessary and employ IPM practices.

6. Rotate Out Old Frames
Replace old, dark brood frames with fresh foundation to keep disease risk low and encourage healthy brood rearing.

7. Watch for Disease & Pests
Monitor for chalkbrood, foulbrood, and hive beetles. Clean hive debris and use traps where necessary.

8. Plan for Splits and Nuc Building
Split strong colonies to prevent swarming and grow your apiary. Order or raise queens early for best success.

9. Requeen If Needed
If a colony is underperforming, requeening now can turn things around before the honey flow.

10. Connect with Local Beekeepers
Attend workshops or meetings to stay informed and pick up tips specific to your region.

April is the foundation for a successful season—stay ahead, stay consistent, and enjoy the work!