March in Ontario: The First Quick Check.

March in Ontario still feels very much like winter, but occasional mild days offer the first opportunity to check on the apiary. These visits are not full inspections. Instead, they are short observations to confirm which colonies have come through winter and to begin preparing for the season ahead.

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First Quick Look Inside

After a few warm days, it may be helpful to take a quick look inside the quieter hives noted during your winter observations. The goal is simply to confirm whether the colony is still alive.

If conditions allow, a brief lift of the lid or inner cover is often enough to see the cluster and confirm activity. These checks should remain short to avoid unnecessary heat loss.

If a colony has been lost, mark the hive so it can be cleaned and evaluated before reuse. This is also a good time to make notes and plan whether the hive will be reused for a new colony later in spring.

Before reusing equipment, it is important to consider the possible cause of the loss-whether it was starvation, moisture, queen failure, or disease. Some diseases, such as American foulbrood, require special care because the bacteria can survive in hive equipment for many years. In confirmed cases, contaminated comb and frames are typically destroyed rather than reused. This is a larger topic that requires careful management.

If the weather is still too cool to open the hive, a small endoscope camera inserted through the entrance can be a helpful tool. It can confirm the presence of bees and emergency food. It may also reveal if the entrance has become blocked from the inside by dead bees or debris accumulated during winter.

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Checking Food Stores

March is one of the most critical months for starvation. As brood rearing begins, colonies consume honey quickly and remaining stores can decline faster than expected.

A classic way to estimate food reserves without opening the hive is to lift the back of the hive slightly to judge its weight. With experience, this simple check provides a reliable indication of whether the colony still has sufficient stores.

Some beekeepers also use hive weight sensors or scales, which allow continuous monitoring of weight changes throughout winter and early spring. These tools can provide early warning if food reserves are declining rapidly.

If the hive feels light, plan to add emergency feed on the suitable warm day. Having fondant or dry sugar with you during your first March check is a good practice in case a colony needs immediate support.

In some cases, a small endoscope camera can also help confirm whether emergency food remains accessible without opening the hive by using existing openings-such as ventilation holes in quilt boxes-to briefly look inside while minimizing disturbance to the cluster.

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Preparing for Bears to Wake Up

March is also the time to prepare for increased wildlife activity. In many parts of Ontario, black bears begin emerging from their dens in late March or early April.

If your apiary is located in bear country, this is a good moment to check that electric fencing is working properly. Make sure wires are clear of debris, grounding is effective, and the fence is energized. Early spring is often when bears begin searching for food sources, and beehives can attract their attention.

A quick fence inspection now can help prevent serious losses later in the season.

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Other Things to Watch in March

Warm days in March can reveal useful signs about colony health.

You may notice cleansing flights, when bees briefly leave the hive and return. These flights can occur during warmer days throughout the winter, but they often become more frequent toward the end of the season as temperatures fluctuate more regularly.

It is also worth checking that hive entrances remain clear. Dead bees or winter debris can sometimes accumulate and partially block the opening. A quick visual check helps ensure bees can move freely and maintain proper ventilation.

Finally, keep an eye on melting snow and moisture around hive stands. Good drainage and airflow help prevent excess moisture during this late winter period.

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March Reflections

March remains a transitional month. Cold weather can still return, but the occasional warm day allows beekeepers to confirm colony survival, check food reserves, and prepare the apiary for the coming season.

These early observations help guide decisions for the weeks ahead as the colony slowly moves toward spring.

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