Welcome to The Bee Hive
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Hive Management Services
Professional Hive Management Services
We provide comprehensive apiary care tailored to the seasonal needs of your bees. Our services ensure your colonies remain healthy, productive, and compliant with Australian biosecurity standards.
1. Spring Unpacking & Initial InspectionsThe most critical time of the year, our spring service focuses on transitioning colonies from winter survival to peak production.
- Winter Gear Removal: Removing insulation, and winter entrance reducers to improve ventilation.
- Initial Strength Assessment: Evaluating bee population and colony vigour as they begin foraging.
- Brood Nest Manipulation: Opening the brood nest to prevent congestion and discourage early swarming.
2. General Health & Queen Assessment
- Queen Performance: Verifying the presence of a laying queen and assessing brood patterns to ensure a robust workforce.
- Requeening: Professional requeening services for aging, failing, or overly aggressive colonies.
3. Pest & Disease ManagementRegular biosecurity checks are mandatory for all Australian beekeepers to prevent the spread of pathogens.
- Varroa & Exotic Mites: Statutory alcohol wash or sugar shake testing.
- Brood Disease Inspections: Detailed checks for American Foulbrood (AFB), European Foulbrood (EFB), and Chalkbrood.
- Small Hive Beetle (SHB): Monitoring and trap maintenance.
4. Nutrition, Stores & Maintenance
- Evaluation: Assessing honey and pollen stores to prevent "spring dwindle" or starvation.
- Supplementary Feeding: Providing sugar syrup or pollen patties if natural forage is insufficient.
- Hive Hygiene: Cleaning bottom boards and replacing old, dark, or damaged combs with fresh foundation to promote hive health.
5. Harvesting & Winter Preparation
- Honey Extraction: Strategic removal of surplus honey while ensuring bees retain enough stores for their own needs.
- Winter "Pack Down": Final autumn inspections, consolidating the hive, and ensuring adequate food stores (15 to 20) for winter survival.
Interested in professional care for your hives?
Contact John at 0421 107 951 for more information or to book an inspection.