Some bees are now flying for an hour or two on warmer days, but it is still too cold for the first inspection of the year. It is still important to make sure the bees have enough food, since if the queen is now laying consumption will be rising while very little nectar will be coming in. It happens too often that hives which have survived the winter finally succumb in a spell of cold weather in spring. When it is warm enough (commonly described as shirt-sleeves weather) those hives still on solid floors will need a clean one. Screen floors are usually spotless and if so should not need any attention. The most important thing is to check that the queen is present and correct- no worker drones for instance. As long as there is young brood to be seen, you can assume she is OK. Any old empty or mouldy frames should be replaced with new foundation, or clean drawn frames if you have any. Older frames with brood can be placed on the outside of the broodnest for removal later. You should plan to replace all the brood frames ideally once a year as the Danes do by law, but at least every 2-3 years. This is the first step in reducing the incidence of disease. Make sure the bees have enough room if you want to avoid an early swarm, and give them a super in good time-don't forget the queen excluder. Let's hope it fills up quickly.
