Interested in bees and beekeeping?

If you’re new, the 'Getting Started with Bees' Certificate Program is an excellent entry point. This stand-alone program covers bee biology and backyard beekeeping through online learning and discussion forums. No waiting list - join anytime!

Ready to advance your beekeeping?

The Oregon Master Beekeeper Program helps you improve your skills, solve problems, and teach others. Beekeepers progress through three levels: Apprentice, Journey, and Master - each with support for learning, field practice, and community service.

These programs are a partnership between the Oregon State University Honey Bee Lab and the Oregon State Beekeepers Association, working together to support bee health and sustainable beekeeping.

November 2025

in your Central Oregon Apiary

We’re now starting to get some colder nights, and the days aren’t nearly as warm yet.  So far, there hasn’t been a really hard frost, but it’s only a matter of time.  I find it somewhat of a relief when we can stop covering the tomatoes in the evening because they froze.  We’ve sure been enjoying the show the deciduous trees have been putting on.

Now, the bees have settled down “for the long winter night” as the saying goes.  On warmer days, you’ll still see some activity at the hive entrance, and some cleansing flights, but they become scarcer as the month proceeds.

Assuming you’ve got your mites under control, the food reserves sufficient, the hive insulated to your satisfaction, there isn’t much left to do this month with your bees (reminder about the rock on the lid to avoid it getting blown off during a storm).  You can still work on these items, but other than the hive insulation/winterization, your efforts will elicit diminishing returns (mites have already done much of their damage and emergency feed now must be honeycomb or sugar patties)

I like to concentrate this month on the upcoming holiday season.  This is a good month to get the bee related gifts together/made.  You’ll be ahead of the game, and it’s fun and relaxing.  Spend more time on your other hobbies.  Spend more time with your family and friends.

Enjoy your November, and Thanksgiving.

Allen Engle