Join an Upcoming Inspection

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As summer wanes, strong colonies are built in September. In this session, we focus on evaluating hive health, confirming food stores, and controlling pests before cold weather arrives.

We currently have three spots available for our upcoming hive inspection on Saturday, September 27th (weather permitting). The cost is $80 per person - children are $60 - (limited to 3 guests in the apiary).

• Curious beginners who want a guided first look under the lid
   
• New beekeepers seeking practical, seasonal checklists
   
• Homesteaders and gardeners adding pollinators to their landscape
   
• Families (No more than 3 guests in the apiary at one time. Children are welcome with a supervising adult; recommended age 10+ for hive-side participation)

• Duration: ~2 hours (15–20 minutes intro and suiting up + ~75 minutes in the apiary + Q&A)
   
• Gear: We provide veils/jackets/suits, gloves and tools; no outside hive tools or gloves allowed. You’re welcome to bring your own suit and smoker if you want guidance on lighting it and keeping it lit.
   
• Take-home: Digital photos of your experience will be provided post-inspection, links to useful tools such as inspection checklist/recordkeeping form and mite management tool.

• Safe fuel choices, lighting techniques, and when/why to use smoke.

• How to estimate honey/nectar reserves and decide if intervention is needed for winter.

• Our August Inspection included an alcohol wash test and resulted in the need for a mite treatment. Therefore, our September 27th Inspection will be a post-treatment review with a follow-up alcohol wash to see how the FormicPro (phased 10-day approach) treatment performed on the colony.

• Try to spot the queen (fun, not guaranteed!). 

• If she’s elusive, look for evidence—fresh eggs centered in brood comb and proper larval stages.

• What, when and how to feed in order to build winter stores efficiently.

• Why in-hive feeders are best in fall and how to prevent robbing.