What's Happening Inside a Beehive During the Month of April

Right now, in St. Augustine, the hives are in a state of massive expansion. While the rest of the country might still be shaking off the frost, our local bees are hitting their peak "spring buildup." If you were to open a hive in St. Johns County today, here is what’s unfolding on the inside of the hive.

1. The Brood Boom: Queen Production is Peaking

In St. Augustine, Florida, the "Swarm Season" typically kicks off in late February and hits its stride now until the end of April. The queen is currently laying between 1,500 to 2,000 eggs per day. She is expanding the brood nest rapidly to take advantage of the incoming nectar. If you look at the bottom of your frames, you’ll likely see "swarm cells" they are peanut-shaped structures hanging downward. This is the hive's way of saying, "We’re too crowded, and we’re ready to split." You’ll notice an influx of "drones" (the big-eyed male bees). Their presence is a biological signal that the hive is ready to raise and mate new queens.

2. The Gallberry & Saw Palmetto "Honey Flow"

While South Florida is finishing their Orange Blossom flow St. Augustine and, really, all of Northeast Florida beekeepers, are prepping for Gallberry and Saw Palmetto. Inside the hive, you’ll see white wax. This is fresh, snowy white beeswax the bees are building on top of the frames. It’s a sure sign that a heavy nectar flow is happening. The hive is loud right now! At night, you can hear a low hum as thousands of bees fan their wings to evaporate the moisture from the nectar, turning it into thick, cured honey. If the bees bring in nectar faster than you can add supers, or extra boxes, they will start storing honey in the queen's egg-laying space. This is a primary trigger for swarming.

3. Humidity Management: The Florida Struggle

Northeast Florida's humidity plays a massive role inside the hive right now. The bees are busy using propolis, aka bee glue, to seal up any cracks that might let in excess moisture or Small Hive Beetles, which thrive in our damp spring weather. You’ll see bees hanging out on the front of the hive during our 80°F afternoons, commonly called “bearding”. This isn't just lounging, they are clearing out of the hive to allow better airflow so the nectar can dry properly.

Quick Tips for Northeast Florida Beekeepers This Week:

Add Space Now! Don't wait until the box is 100% full. If it's 70% full of bees and nectar, add your next honey super. If your brood nest looks filled with honey, move a few empty drawn comb frames into the center to give the queen room to lay. With the increasing rain chances, Small Hive Beetles are active. Ensure your traps are clean and filled with oil.

Let us know what you are seeing in your beehives this time of year. And if haven’t had the chance try some of our raw gallberry or saw palmetto honey today.