Blog Posts - UMD Bee Lab

Last Week in the Apiary - 2nd Week of March 2026

3/23/2026

A block of rendered wax, a blue propane torch, and a deep frame that has freshly applied wax on it sitting on top of a stack of hive boxes.

Using a block of rendered wax and a blowtorch to apply wax to frames to encourage bees to draw wax. Photo by Eric Malcolm, March 11, 2026.

Time in the Yard: 4 hours 5 minutes
Avg Time per Colony: 17.5 minutes
Time in Barn: 6 hours
Total Colonies: 23
Temperature (°F):
Hi: 84°
Low: 25°
Avg: 54.9°
Total Precipitation: 0.66”

Actions:
In the barn: we mixed 25lbs of pollen substitute and formed into 1lb patties, purchased bags of sugar, mixed six 5-gallon buckets of 1:1, and waxed thirty deep frames.
In the yard: we finished performing first rounds of full colony health inspections (5), fed colonies to stimulate brood rearing and comb building, combined 2 drone layer (DL) colonies with 2 smaller queen right (QR) colonies, removed unused equipment from the apiary. Added boxes of foundation (frames) to strong colonies to begin drawing comb (3).

Fed 1gal of 1:1 (14) and .5 to 1lb of pollen sub (12).

Observations:
All colonies are beginning to increase brood production. Most colonies have at least some capped brood. A few colonies are just starting to cap brood. Drones seen walking in strong colonies. Capped drones that we uncapped were at or between the larval or white-eyed pupae stage. Most colonies inspected this week all had around 1 super of capped food stores. The feeding was intended to stimulate colonies to produce more brood for heavy splitting planned for early April due to plans to do heavy splitting.

Reflections:
It was frustrating and challenging doing a newspaper combine while fighting against high winds. We are looking forward to equalizing all our colonies in a few weeks once they are stronger. We forgot to charge our OAV applicator batteries over the weekend, so we did not finish applying treatments this week. We will need to complete our initial prophylactic treatments next week.

Things in bloom: Crocus, Snowdrop, Silver Maple, Red Maple, Common Chickweed, Purple Deadnettle, Wild Daffodil, Ivy-leaved Speedwell

Last week in the Apiary - 1st week of March 2026

3/6/2026

An open beehive during the first full inspection of the year. There are many frames full of bees and drone larvae and pupae can be seen between the top and bottom frames.

A strong colony coming out of winter with lots of bees and drone brood in burr comb between tops and bottoms of frames. Photo by Eric Malcolm, March 5, 2026, Glenn Dale, MD.

Time in the Yard: 3 hours 45 minutes
Avg Time per Colony: 13 minutes
Total Colonies: 25
Temperature (°F):
Hi: 65°
Low: 29°
Avg: 43.6°
Total Precipitation: 0.34”

Note:
We are planning to finish remaining inspections, feed colonies and combine the DL/LW colonies with 4 or 5 FOB colonies that have good brood patterns in the following week.

Actions:
Performed full inspections (17) and started prophylactic OAV treatment on colonies.

Treated with Oxalic Acid vaporization (17), 4 grams per brood box.

Observations:
Found 3 drone layer (DL) /laying worker (LW) colonies. One of the dead-out colonies from a previous cold-weather inspection is not dead after all! Colonies consumed most of the fondant provided February 19th. Some colonies came out of winter with small populations (1.5 to 4 frames of bees (FOB)). Most queens are laying and display solid brood patterns. Some smaller colonies are just starting to lay or cap worker brood while strong colonies have begun rearing drones, some of which are capped or emerged.

Reflections:
Feeding pollen sub and 1:1 syrup a little earlier may have been helpful since we are planning to expand our operation this year, but that is hard to know without inspecting earlier.

Things in bloom: Crocus, American Witch-hazel, Snowdrop

Evidence of a drone layer queen. Photo by Eric Malcolm, March 5, 2026.

A medium frame from a beehive with half of cells containing honey and the other half containing capped and young brood.

Small sections of capped brood next to capped honey. Photo by Eric Malcolm, March 5, 2026.

Honey bees storing food resources. At the bottom of the image there are bees with corbiculae full of a light yellow pollen. In the top center three bees can be seen with heads in adjacent cells.

A busy frame of bees, several with light yellow pollen. Photo by Eric Malcolm, March 5, 2026.

Last Week in the Apiary - 4th Week of February 2026

3/4/2026

Two stacks of deep hive bodies with recently cleaned frames and new foundation. On the top of a shorter stack there is a deep frame showing new, waxed foundation.

Deep boxes with recently replaced foundation to be put on later in March. Photo by Eric Malcolm, 3/4/2026

Time in Barn: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Colonies: 24
Temperature (°F):
Hi: 56°
Low: 25°
Avg: 37.1°
Total Precipitation: 0.69”

Actions:
No bee work done.
Worked in barn to remove old foundation and clean 90 Deep frames that had mouse or wax moth damage. Replaced with new foundation. We plan to add these in mid or late March to be drawn out with wax. Started preparing equipment to make splits.

Observations:
We had 3 days in the 50°s this week and are starting to feel the urge to get out to inspect colonies. Last year, first inspections were completed on the first week of March and we felt very prepared with data supporting our early season management decisions to prevent swarming and Varroa infestation.

Reflections:
We are grateful for being able to take time to carefully plan and prepare for making splits and requeening colonies before spring arrives. This practice will help us avoid the loss of bees and honey due to swarming while reducing stress when the time approaches to take action.

Things in bloom: Crocus, American Witch-hazel, Snowdrop

Last Week in the Apiary - 3rd Week of February 2026

2/27/2026

A very small cluster of bees that perished during the winter. Photo by Eric Malcolm, February 19, 2026.

Time in the Yard: 1 hour 58 minutes
Avg Time per Colony: 5 minutes
Time in Barn: 3 hours
Total Colonies: 24
Temperature (°F):
Hi: 55°
Low: 32°
Avg: 40.5°
Total Precipitation: 1.04”

Actions:
Cut and prepared twenty-five 4lb fondant patties on parchment paper for supplemental feeding. Unconsumed fondant that had been placed above the inner cover nine weeks ago was moved below the inner cover to ensure direct contact with the bees. Replaced two sets of top and inner covers that had been blown off by strong winds. Added additional bricks to all lids to secure them to prevent displacement.

Fed 4lb of fondant to 15 colonies. Fed when fondant had not been applied at the previous feeding or if 1lb or more had already been consumed.

Observations:
Three colonies were lost due to suspected queen failure and/or viral pressure. Dead colonies had very small, queenless clusters in direct contact with food stores at time of death. Colonies fed nine weeks ago still had some or all of the fondant remaining. Colonies that entered winter with full food stores have now reached the top of the hive, with most retaining ¼ to ¾ of a super of capped stores. One colony still had a full super of capped stores.

Reflections:
Examining dead colonies can help identify potential causes of loss; however, thorough records are far more helpful for post-mortem assessments. After reviewing our inspection records we were able to gain better insight on each colony’s cause of loss including; queen events throughout the season, populations that failed to thrive despite supplementation and being combined, sustained low or high mite loads, and when/if populations began declining.

Things in bloom: American Witch-hazel

The inner cover of a beehive in the winter, showing bees coming through the ventilation hole after the telescoping lid was removed.

The same beehive as in the previous picture after the inner cover was opened, revealing a cluster of bees that has reached the top of the hive.

Upon removal of the telescoping lid, we found this cluster had reached the top of the super. While they still had capped food stores left, this is a good indicator that they are reaching the end of those stores and may require feeding. Photo by Eric Malcolm, February 19, 2026.

Fondant applied 9 weeks prior above the inner cover using a wooden shim. About 1/4 of the fondant has been consumed.

A 4lb fondant patty placed 9 weeks ago above the inner cover using a wood shim. Below the parchment paper, bees are still consuming the fondant. Photo by Eric Malcolm, February 19, 2026.

Last Week in the Apiary - 2nd Week of February 2026

2/17/2026

A honey bee forager stops for a moment on a slowly thawing block of ice and snow during a warm February day.

A honey bee forager stopping on a ice covered bed of snow on a warm winter day in February. Photo by Kelly Finn, February 10, 2026, Savage, MD.

Time in the Yard: 0 minutes
Time in the Barn: 0 minutes
Total Colonies: 27
Temperature (°F):
Hi: 54°
Low: 9°
Avg: 29.9°
Total Precipitation: 0”
Note: What we “know” about honey bees and beekeeping can quickly change with new findings. Regularly attending local meetings has shown to help reduce colony loss. Check your local beekeepers association website for details on upcoming presentations, classes, or learning opportunities!

Actions:
No bee work done.

Observations:
Daylight is starting to last a little longer, the snow and ice are starting to melt. Bees were out on cleansing flights and performing undertaker duties on the warmer days of the week.

Reflections:
When temperatures reach over 45°F, clusters break and colonies consume more food resources. Checking food stores is important to avoid preventable losses. Starvation is a common cause of loss in late winter. We will be feeding another round of fondant to colonies in need soon.

Things in bloom:
None observed.

Last Year in the apiary - Molecular Diagnostics Results from 2025

2/12/2026

Note: To change view, click the 3 horizontal bars on the top left of the PDF viewer below.

Last Week in the Apiary - 1st Week of February 2026

2/12/2026

A view of the plowed driveway leading to the bee barn after being cleared of snow and ice.

A view of the bee barn after the driveway has been cleared of snow and ice! Photo by Eric Malcolm, February 2, 2026.

Time in the Yard: 0 minutes
Time in the Barn: 1 hour
Total Colonies: 27
Hi Temp: 40°
Low Temp: 13°
Avg Temp: 25.4°
Total Precipitation: 0”

Actions:
Cleaned up in the barn, moved 2 old broken freezers, and received and installed a new larger deep freezer for freezing comb and equipment.

Observations:
The heavy snow and ice from last week has made accessing colonies a challenge.

Reflections:
Extreme gratitude to the CMREC Beltsville farm manager and team for clearing out the driveway area leading to the bee barn! This would have been quite a shoveling job to receive our freezer delivery.

Things in bloom:
None observed.

The new 25 cubic feet freezer, located in the corner of the bee barn.

The new 25 cubic feet freezer can allegedly hold around fifteen deep hive boxes, we will see. Photo by Eric Malcolm, February 2, 2026.

Last Week in the Apiary - 4th Week of January 2026

2/12/2026

Kim Mehalick covers administrative topics and terminology in the beginning of the Maryland State Beekeepers Association

The Nucs and Splits Class offered each year by Maryland State Beekeepers Association, hosted at University of Maryland in College Park, is a wonderful opportunity to learn during this time of year! Photo by Eric Malcolm, February 7, 2026.

Time in the Yard: 0 minutes
Time in the Barn: 0 minutes
Total Colonies: 27
Hi Temp: 28°
Low Temp: 8°
Avg Temp: 17.5°
Total Precipitation: 1.77”

Actions:
No bee work done.

Observations:
It was too cold to do anything bee related outside. We also received several inches of snow, sleet, and ice.

Reflections:
When it’s too cold to work bees outside, that is a perfect time to attend meetings, take classes, or catch up on reading!

Things in bloom:
None observed.

Last Week in the Apiary - 3rd Week of January 2026

2/12/2026

A picture of the UMD Clover yard, featuring a line of bee hives with bricks on top, and lots of grass growing over the black ground cover fabric used below the hives. In the forefront of the picture, is a small sapling and dead or dying grass that have grown into the area where hives will be located in the spring.

A picture of the UMD Clover yard after clearing was done. The black ground cloth is now completely visible and the shrubs and grass that had overgrown the ground cover are now cut back and cleared away.

Before clean up and after clean up pictures of the Clover yard.

Time in the Yard: 3 hours 45 minutes
Avg Time per Colony: 37.5 minutes
Total Colonies: 27
Hi Temp: 54°
Low Temp: 9°
Avg Temp: 29.6°
Total Precipitation: 0.1”

Actions:
Cleared overgrown grass and a few small saplings from around a yard that was becoming overgrown to provide safer and easier working conditions for when making splits and other tasks to come in the spring.

Observations:
The cool daytime temperature made cleaning around the hives less stressful since bees were not flying or investigating me while performing the work. Found a black legged tick crawling on my arm after clean up.
Reflections:
It’s feels good to start the season with a clean and tidy bee yard. Keep an eye out for ticks!

Things in bloom:
None observed.

Last Week in the Apiary - 2nd Week of January 2026

1/21/2026

American Witch-hazel showing red flowers in bloom near the end of a thin branch in January 2026.

Yellow flowers of Leatherleaf Mahonia blooming in January 2026.

American witch-hazel and leatherleaf mahonia in bloom in January of 2026. Picture by Dennis vanEngelsdorp, Berwyn Heights, MD.

Time in the Yard: 0 minutes
Time in the Barn: 0 minutes
Total Colonies: 27
Hi Temp: 53°
Low Temp: 19°
Avg Temp: 36.6°
Total Precipitation: 0.95”

Actions:
No bee work done.

Observations:
Most of this week was warm enough to briefly open the inner cover or hinge open the top box to check mortality and food stores.

Reflections:
The warmer weather this week may be cause to check fondant status sooner than we were planning.

Things in bloom:
Leatherleaf Mahonia, American Witch-hazel

Last Week in the Apiary - 1st Week of January 2026

1/12/2026

A single hive in an apiary with leafless trees in the background. The front of the hive is busy with honey bees on the front and in flight returning and exiting the hive.

An active hive on a 61° day in January. Photo by Eric Malcolm, January 7, 2026.

Time in the Yard: 0 minutes
Time in the Barn: 5 hours 15 minutes
Total Colonies: 27
Hi Temp: 61°
Low Temp: 22°
Avg Temp: 37.86°
Total Precipitation: 0.04”

Actions:
Very briefly checked yards and replaced 2 tops that were blown off by the wind and checked entrances for activity, peaked under a few lids to check fondant consumption.In the barn; reassembled the clean and dry top feeders and stacked them in the pole barn. Cleaned two old chest freezers (broken) to make space for a replacement chest freezer. Took time to plan the first part of the season; looking at spring treatment supplies, planning splits to increase colony numbers and avoid losing swarms, and preparing for ordering queens. Cleaned up overgrowth around hives at one apiary.
Observations:
Hives were very active on the warmest day this week! The few hives that were checked have not consumed much/any fondant since it was applied on 12/19/2025.

Reflections:
Checking on the colonies and doing a little outdoor “housekeeping” on a warm day is a treat in early January! It is also refreshing to have a quiet moment to plan and prepare for the 2026 beekeeping season.

Things in bloom: Japanese Camellia, Leatherleaf Mahonia

Last Week in the Apiary - 5th Week of December 2025

1/8/2026

Japanese Camellia in bloom in early January 2026. Some pink blooms have started turning brown while others are just beginning to bloom.

3 Leatherleaf Mahonia plants in a garden that are all in bloom with stems of yellow flowers at various stages of bloom.

Japanese Camellia and Leatherleaf Mahonia in bloom in early winter. Photo by Dennis vanEngelsdorp, January 6, 2026.

Time in the Yard: 0 minutes
Total Colonies: 27
Avg Temp: 34.2°
Total Precipitation: 0”

Actions:
No bee work done. UMD on Winter Break.

Reflections:
This down time reminded us to plan ahead for putting new foundation in frames that need to be drawn this season. Spring will be here before we know it, and bees will be ready to draw new comb!

Things in bloom: Japanese Camellia, Leatherleaf Mahonia

Last Week in the Apiary - 4th Week of December 2025

1/8/2026

A close up of a pink Japanese Camellia in the winter. There is a small patch of melting snow on one of its leaves next to the bloom.

A close up image of Leatherleaf Mahonia in bloom. Flowering stems covered in yellow blooms and buds.

Pictures of the pink bloom of a Japanese Camellia and the yellow flowers of a Leatherleaf Mahonia. Photos by Dennis vanEngelsdorp, 12/16/2025

Time in the Yard: 0 minutes
Total Colonies: 27
Avg Temp: 38.35°
Total Precipitation: 0”

Actions:
No bee work done. UMD on Winter Break.

Reflections:
We are thinking about repairing equipment, assembling woodenware, ordering spring treatment supplies, and getting any other necessary equipment ordered once we return from break.

Things in bloom: Japanese Camellia, Leatherleaf Mahonia

Last Week in the Apiary - 3rd Week of December 2025

1/8/2026

A 50lb box of 90/10 Creme Fondant, by Golden Barrel Products.

A box of creme fondant waiting to be separated into 4lb patties to be fed to the bees! Photo by Eric Malcolm, January 6, 2026

Time in the Yard: 31 minutes
Avg Time per Colony: 2.5 minutes
Time in the Barn: 3 hours
Total Colonies: 27
Avg Temp: 32.5°
Total Precipitation: 0.41”

Actions:
Fed 4lbs of fondant to colonies (12) that had bees at or near the top of the uppermost box. In the barn; cleaned top feeders and stacked to dry and met with pest control specialists for mouse control support.

Observations:
Several colonies have consumed much of their food stores. Over half of our colonies still had ample food stores but may require feeding later.

Reflections:
Checking below the inner cover during the colder season to monitor food store status and cluster location have helped to stay on top of timely feeding.

Things in bloom: Japanese Camellia, Leatherleaf Mahonia

Last Week in the Apiary - 2nd Week of December 2025

1/8/2026

Image of deep and medium hive boxes, standing on their sides in pairs, with two additional boxes standing on their sides. At the point where the boxes meet the base (ground or first row of boxes) dark bits of wax can be seen left behind from mouse damage.

Wax from mouse damage can be seen around the bases of the hive boxes that were stacked after treatment pre-storage. Photo by Eric Malcolm, December 10, 2025.

Time in the Yard: 44 minutes
Avg Time per Colony: 2.5 minutes
Time in the Barn: 45 minutes
Total Colonies: 27
Avg Temp: 31°
Total Precipitation: 0.0”

Actions:
Removed top feeders from colonies (19) and applied Gorilla Tape to holes in equipment (2) to reduce draft. Emptied remaining syrup from top feeders. In the barn; cleaned up wax from mouse damaged frames and stacked boxes to prevent further damage.

Observations:
Bees were clustered tightly, and most clusters were in the lower box. A few colonies appear to have not stored as much syrup and were already towards the top of their hive. Many colonies did not finish taking in the last round of 2:1 syrup. In the barn, noticed mice had damaged comb sometime within the last 2 weeks.

Reflections:
We wish we would have stored the equipment as soon as the B402 Certan dried to avoid the mouse damage.
We will need to feed several colonies fondant before the holidays.

Things in bloom: Japanese Camellia, Leatherleaf Mahonia