January at the apiary
January generally corresponds to the core of the overwintering period in Switzerland. The colony lives at a reduced pace in a cluster: it maintains a sufficient internal temperature to protect the queen, and if brood is present (which varies depending on altitude and climate), the central area is heated more intensely. Honey consumption remains moderate but continuous. Typical risks of the month include “silent” starvation (insufficient or inaccessible reserves), humidity, and disturbances. The beekeeper therefore acts mainly through external observation, targeted securing of reserves, hygiene, and preparation of equipment, while avoiding any intervention. The watchword is: “Do not disturb!”
1) Understanding the cluster and confirming vitality (without opening)
 |
Objective
Assess the presence of life and the stability of the cluster without cooling the colony.
Concrete actions
- Observe the entrance on a mild day: possible cleansing flights, guard bees, short in-and-out flights.
- Listen to the hive (low buzzing) and detect slight warmth at the cover board.
- If available, read the bottom board: wax debris/cappings (consumption), signs of activity.
Points of attention
The absence of flight does not prove a dead colony (weather, orientation). Avoid prolonged openings: the cluster may break up and cool.
Learn more:
► Observations at the hive entrance
► Reading debris (bottom board)
|
2) Clearing entrances and avoiding disturbance (snow, ice, wind)
 |
Objective
Ensure minimal ventilation and allow cleansing flights, without stress or cooling.
Concrete actions
- After snowfall: clear the landing board and entrance (snow/ice/debris).
- Check external condition: roof properly in place, hive stable, no excessive wind exposure.
- Limit vibrations and shocks (transport, handling around the apiary).
Points of attention
A blocked entrance can impair ventilation and hinder exits during warm spells. Repeated disturbance increases food consumption.
Learn more:
► 10 rules of good beekeeping practice
|
3) Estimating stores: preventing “silent” starvation (candy if necessary)
 |
Objective
Avoid food interruption: in January, a colony may die even with honey still present but inaccessible to the cluster.
Concrete actions
- Heft the hive (rear lift) and compare colonies to identify the lightest ones.
- If there is serious doubt: place candy as close as possible to the cluster (on the cover board opening if suitable).
- Check accessibility: no barrier; candy must be truly reachable by the cluster.
Points of attention
Candy is an emergency feeding measure (not stimulation). In January, avoid syrup: temperature and humidity issues.
Learn more:
► All about feeding
► Late-winter feeding – what to think?
► Making candy
|
4) Weak colonies: monitor more, intervene less (but at the right time)
 |
Objective
Limit late-winter losses: weak colonies have less thermal and food margin.
Concrete actions
- Identify at-risk colonies (low autumn population, light hive) and monitor them closely.
- Prioritise food security (hefting + candy if necessary).
- Reduce the volume to be heated if a partition is already in place or can be adjusted without a long inspection.
- Note these colonies to prepare a spring decision (combining/replacement), without doing it in January.
Points of attention
Combining two weak colonies does not necessarily create a strong one. Any combination requires a health diagnosis (later, under suitable conditions).
Learn more:
► 10 rules of good beekeeping practice
|
5) Dead colonies: cautious diagnosis and strict equipment hygiene
 |
Objective
Prevent robbing and reduce sanitary risks while preparing a controlled restoration.
Concrete actions
- If a dead colony is suspected: confirm briefly (no “spring inspection”).
- If death from a contagious disease is suspected, close the hive and notify the inspector.
- Empty the hive; if in doubt, incinerate all frames. Clean according to inspectorate protocol (HalaApi 898/899), disinfect (Halades 01) all beekeeping equipment (see also disinfection protocol).
- Remove the hive from the apiary if possible (risk of robbing, contagion).
- Eliminate suspicious brood frames; disinfect/sanitise equipment before reuse.
Points of attention
In case of doubt regarding notifiable diseases (foulbroods), do not reuse frames or equipment without protocol and official guidance. Do not “save” stores if the cause is unknown.
Learn more:
► Infernal cascade: chronicle of a death foretold
► Beekeeping equipment maintenance
► Hygiene
|
6) Humidity and thermoregulation: act only on concrete causes
7) In the workshop & at home
- Clean, disinfect, repair and prepare equipment (hives, roofs, floors, feeders).
- Prepare frames and foundation; check stocks (candy, syrup for later, consumables).
- Plan the season: monitoring weak colonies, replacing equipment, organising the apiary.
- Use the time to train and improve your skills.
⇒ www.ApiSavoir.ch
⇒ Test your knowledge (quiz)
8) What is not done yet
- No full spring inspection (too early: risk of cooling/disrupting the cluster, possible brood).
- No syrup feeding / stimulation (temperatures, insufficient uptake, humidity).
- No queen rearing / splits (unsuitable period, absence of fertile drones).
- No major frame changes or prolonged reorganisation of the brood nest.
- No protein supplements aimed at stimulating egg-laying (risk of imbalance in mid-winter).
General remarks: Priorities and timing vary according to altitude, exposure, local weather and colony strength. In case of suspected notifiable disease, contact the inspector before taking any personal initiative.
AuthorApiSion : Claude Pfefferlé & Serge Imboden
