Platform for Professional Beekeeping Knowledge and Practice
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Many animal species can be observed at apiaries, interacting directly or indirectly with bee colonies. This checklist presents the accompanying fauna, animals that are generally harmless and those that may cause problems, and describes the appropriate way to deal with these situations. The following information is based on the official checklist 3.4 of the Swiss Bee Health Service.
Good beekeeping practice encompasses the fundamental principles for ensuring responsible, sustainable beekeeping that respects bee colonies. It provides a reference framework for all beekeeping activities. The information below is based on summary guide 4 from the Swiss Bee Health Service.
Hygiene in colony management is essential for preventing disease and maintaining healthy colonies. It concerns both the beekeeper's behavior and the correct use of equipment. The following information is based on the official checklist 4.1 of the Swiss Bee Health Service.
Propolis is a natural substance produced by bees and plays an essential role in the hygiene and stability of the colony. The fact sheet describes its origin, functions, and importance in the colony. The following information is based on the official fact sheet 4.1.1 from the Swiss Bee Health Service.
Feeding is an essential part of colony management and helps to compensate for periods of food shortage while ensuring the development and wintering capacity of colonies. The timing, quantity, and type of food must be adapted to the strength of the colony and the season. The information below is based on the official checklist 4.2 of the Bee Health Service (SSA).
Wintering is a crucial phase in the beekeeping year and largely determines the development of colonies in the following spring. It depends on colonies that are healthy, sufficiently strong, and properly prepared. The information below is based on the official BGD/SSA checklist 4.3 and summarizes the key points for successful wintering.
Replacing frames is an essential part of good beekeeping practice and contributes significantly to the health of colonies. Regularly replacing old frames reduces health risks and improves brood and storage conditions. The following information is based on official guideline 4.4 from the Swiss Bee Health Service.
Controlled melting of frames (e.g., to recover wax or treat used frames) produces clean wax and facilitates the removal of undesirable substances. This summary is based exclusively on the official guidance document 4.4.1 (BGD/SSA).
Proper storage of frames is an essential part of beekeeping hygiene and helps prevent damage caused by pests, mold, or contamination. The checklist describes appropriate storage methods and precautions to be taken. The following information is based on the official checklist 4.4.2 of the Swiss Bee Health Service.
Natural comb construction involves building without embossed wax foundation, giving bees the freedom to build their combs according to their needs. This fact sheet outlines the conditions, advantages, and limitations of this beekeeping practice. The following information is based on the official fact sheet 4.4.3 from the Swiss Bee Health Service.
Unmarked queens are sometimes very difficult to locate. We recommend having marking equipment available during every colony inspection so that unmarked queens can always be marked. This requires a good eye, and not all beekeepers necessarily have the ability to spot queens. When a nucleus colony has to be formed or a queen introduced, the beekeeper is then often faced with difficulties.
The introduction of a queen is an essential operation in beekeeping to replace an existing queen, complete a nucleus colony, or guide selection. This summary is based exclusively on the official checklist 4.5.2 of the Swiss Beekeeping Service (BGD/SSA).
Queen multiplication using the Mini-Plus system is a recognized method for breeding, fertilizing, and preserving young queens. It allows for precise monitoring of queens in small colonies. The information below is based on the official checklist 4.6.1 from the Swiss Bee Health Service.
Queen multiplication using the Laurenz method is a breeding technique that does not require grafting. This guide outlines the conditions, procedure, and limitations of this method. The following information is based on the official guide 4.6.2 published by the Swiss Bee Health Service.
The evaluation or selection of colonies does not concern breeders alone; it is also important for every beekeeper from the perspective of bee health. As a preventive measure, the ultimate aim is to retain only healthy and strong colonies within an apiary. This selection applies both to productive colonies and to young colonies.
The merging of bee colonies is a method used to strengthen weak colonies or compensate for losses. It must be carried out in a manner appropriate to the bees, taking into account the strength of the colonies, the season, and weather conditions. The summary below is based exclusively on the official checklist 4.7.1 of the Swiss Beekeeping Service (BGD/SSA).
When a colony is affected by an incurable disease or is severely weakened, it must be eliminated. This is an important measure within the framework of the control and prevention of epizootics and diseases. In the event of suspected notifiable disease, the apiary inspector must be informed before eliminating the colony.
Recognizing healthy colonies is essential for effective beekeeping and for early detection of potential problems. The official checklist 4.7.3 from the Swiss Bee Health Service describes the typical characteristics of healthy colonies and provides reliable observation guidelines.
Orphan colonies are a special case in beekeeping, as the absence of a queen prevents reproduction and compromises the colony's survival. Official memo 4.7.4 from the Swiss Bee Health Service describes the possible causes of orphanhood and the appropriate measures for managing these colonies.
Practical Guide 4.7.5 presents spring swarming as a natural behaviour essential to the survival of the bee population. It also notes that swarms that depart have little chance of surviving long-term in the wild in Switzerland, that they can transmit diseases, and that they can cause conflicts or dangerous situations in urban areas. For beekeeping, the departure of a swarm generally means a loss of honey yield and requires particular attention to the colony that has swarmed.
Observation at the hive entrance makes it possible to draw numerous conclusions about the health status of a bee colony. Especially in spring, it is important to assess colonies in this way. Anomalies indicate the aspects that require particular attention during the next colony inspection or when an additional examination becomes necessary. Observation at the hive entrance also helps to avoid interventions within the colony under unfavorable weather conditions.