Spring Management for Bee Colonies in South Africa
This article is part of our complete guide to Starting Beekeeping in South Africa.
Spring is the start of the active beekeeping season in South Africa.
As temperatures rise and nectar sources become available, colonies begin to grow rapidly. Proper spring management sets the tone for the year’s honey production and pollination opportunities.
Key Goals in Spring
- Support colony build-up
- Prevent swarming
- Requeen if necessary
- Prepare for nectar flow and honey storage
When to Start
Begin spring inspections from August in warmer areas and September in colder regions like the Highveld and Free State.
Spring Management Tasks
1. Inspect Hives
- Open hives on warm, sunny days
- Check for brood pattern, queen presence, and space
- Remove any deadouts or frames damaged over winter
2. Feed Light Colonies
- Use 1:1 sugar syrup to stimulate brood rearing
- Provide pollen substitute if no pollen is available
3. Prevent Swarming
- Add boxes early to provide space
- Split strong colonies if necessary
- Remove queen cells if swarming signs are present
4. Requeen Weak Colonies
- Replace failing or old queens before main flow
- Introduce new queens only into strong, disease-free hives
5. Add Supers for Nectar Flow
- Anticipate flowering periods (e.g. spring fynbos, citrus, bluegum)
- Use drawn comb if available to speed up collection
6. Monitor for Disease
- Inspect for chalkbrood, varroa and beetles
- Rotate out old or dark brood combs
Regional Notes
- Western Cape: Spring flows begin early with fynbos and eucalyptus
- Limpopo and Mpumalanga: Citrus and subtropical flows kick off pollination
- Gauteng and Free State: Prepare colonies for sunflower and wildflower flows
Final Thoughts
Spring is the launchpad for the beekeeping season.
With good feeding, room to expand, and healthy queens, your colonies can quickly grow into productive units ready for honey harvests or pollination service.