What to do at a beehive in April in Northern California

In Northern California, April is typically the beginning of the beekeeping season. Here are some things to consider doing at a beehive in April:

Check the hive for winter damage: Before doing anything else, check the hive for any damage that may have occurred during the winter. Look for cracks or holes in the hive, and make sure the frames are still intact.
Inspect the hive for disease: Inspect the hive for signs of disease or pests, such as mites or fungus. If you notice anything concerning, take action to prevent the spread of disease or infestation.
Feed the bees: Bees may be running low on food after the winter months, so consider providing them with sugar syrup to give them a boost until flowers start to bloom.
Clean the hive: Clean out any dead bees, debris or mold from the hive. This will help to keep the hive healthy and prevent disease.
Add supers: As the weather warms up, the bees will start to become more active and may need more space. Consider adding supers to the hive to give the bees more room to grow and store honey.
Monitor the queen: Check to see if the queen is laying eggs and if there are enough worker bees to support the colony. If the colony is weak, consider re-queening or combining it with a stronger colony.
Plan for the upcoming season: Start planning for the upcoming season and consider what you need to do to prepare your bees for summer. This may include managing pests, adding supers, and ensuring your bees have access to water and food sources.

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