December in North Texas feels like a quiet pause in the beekeeping year. The girls are clustered, the nectar flow is long gone, and our "winter" is more about unpredictable cold snaps than deep freezes. But even with our mild climate, this is when I do my most important checks to make sure every colony makes it strong to spring.
Why December Matters for Texas Bees
In places up north, bees might hunker down for months under snow. Here, our winters are shorter and milder (highs often 50-60°F, lows dipping to 20-30°F), but those sudden freezes can catch colonies off guard. Starvation is the #1 killer in Texas winters - not cold. Bees burn through stores faster on warm days when they fly, and if a cold snap hits right after, they might not reach their honey.
That's why I treat December as "quiet but critical" time: minimal disturbance, quick checks on warm days, and making sure food, ventilation, and protection are dialed in.
My December Hive Routine
I only open hives on days above 50°F with little wind - usually mid-month when we get a warm spell. Inspections are fast (5-10 minutes per hive) to avoid chilling the cluster.
- Weight Check (Heft Test): I tilt each hive from the back - if it feels light (like less than 30–40 lbs total for a deep), they need food. Strong colonies should feel heavy with stored honey.
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Quick Peek Inside
- Lift the lid just enough to see the cluster (tight ball of bees in the top box).
- Ensure they're on honey frames - if stores are low above the cluster, I'll add emergency feed.
- Check for moisture buildup (condensation can be deadly) - good upper ventilation helps.
- Feeding if Needed: On warmer days (above 50°F), I add sugar syrup or sugar bricks directly on top. No pollen patties yet - that comes in January/February to stimulate brood.
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Pest & Protection
- Mouse guards stay on (mice love warm hives in winter!).
- No wrapping - Texas bees overheat easily on warm days.
- Minimal Disturbance: I avoid full inspections - no pulling frames unless absolutely necessary. The goal is survival, not production.
These December checks set up success for spring splits and honey flows. And speaking of learning more - every basket you buy this Christmas helps send me to the 2026 North American Honey Bee Expo, where I'll bring back even better tips for our girls!
What’s your winter routine? Share in the comments - I love hearing from fellow Texas beekeepers
@landofbeesandhoney.com Final hive check of 2025! Me & Katie the Bee Lady are out here treating our honeybees for varroa mites and giving them one last big sugar syrup feast before real Texas winter shows up (lol remember last year?). These girls have been absolute queens all season - time to tuck them in cozy! #BeesNeedBlanketsToo #HoneyBees #TexasBeekeepers #SmallTownBeekeeper #TheHiveLife ♬ original sound - @LandOfBeesAndHoney