Continuing with the series on early spring management and an outlook on the 2025 beekeeping season across Atlantic Canada, this week’s blog will discuss early season beekeeping trends across Nova Scotia. Although it is early in the Nova Scotia beekeeping season, read this week’s blog to learn the highlights of how NS colonies faired through winter, trends in early spring food stores, and how colonies are building up this spring.
2025 Season Outlook – NS
As the 2025 beekeeping season progresses our team has
received anecdotal reports across Nova Scotia of varying winter loss. Some
beekeepers within Nova Scotia report unusually high winter loss of colonies,
and others have reported average or above average winter loss. It is too early
in the season to confirm Nova Scotia’s provincial winter loss, and an official
report will be provided later in the season from the Canadian Association of
Professional Apiculturists (CAPA) and from the Nova Scotia provincial apiculturist.
That being said, the global beekeeping industry is concerned about beekeeping
losses reported from United States. US beekeepers report losing 1.6 million
honey bee colonies between June 2024 and March 2025. Commercial beekeepers in
that country report losing 62% of their colonies, and hobbyist and sideliner
beekeepers report losing 51% and 54%, respectively.
Nova Scotia beekeepers should aim to determine the
reason behind colony loss by examining dead outs and potentially seeking
laboratory testing to determine if any pests and/or disease were the reason for
colony loss. Nova Scotia beekeepers have reported that a few of the contributing
causes for winter loss include varroa, shrews and weak colonies in the fall.
Again, the official report identifying top reasons for colony loss will be
provided by CAPA later this season. The ATTTA team is always willing to assist
with pest and disease testing on dead outs, and on live colonies throughout the
season. We encourage beekeepers to reach out about testing available.
Beekeepers report that surviving hives are generally in
good shape with lots of stores and some evidence of early brood rearing.
However, there are varying reports of spring dwindle occurring which may mean
variation in hive strength for wild blueberry pollination, and less opportunity
for early spring splits.
There was good opportunity for beekeepers to place
Apivar® strips in early to mid-March with some warmer days across the province.
There was also an opportunity for beekeepers to place pollen patties to help
boost brood production.
A reminder to all Nova Scotia beekeepers to continue checking
food stores and provide feed when needed until there is an abundance of natural
pollen and/or nectar available. Additionally, during the upcoming season it is important that beekeepers in NS are
focused on pest and disease monitoring and management. For any questions
regarding spring management and pest/disease monitoring and treatment please
reach out to the ATTTA team. We wish all Nova Scotia beekeepers a great start
to the 2025 season!