There is little activity around the apiary during the month of December. On the warmer days once the sun is up, bees will take cleansing flights so watch out on was day. Close to our kitchen door are two mature loquat trees which come into flower around November and stay in flower until the middle of January. The loquats provide an excellent source of pollen and nectar.

At this time of year woodpeckers can be a real nuisance. Protect the hive with chicken wire if you see or hear any activity in your area. Believe me, woodpeckers can make a real mess of a hive in a very short period of time and once they have located on hive they will zero in on others in the apiary.

The queen may still be laying a few eggs so what ever you do, do not open the hive. I use this time of the year to clean up around the apiary and oil my supers and brood boxes in preparation of the coming year. ,