Being a beekeeper in Walker County is a special experience, connecting us to the unique rhythms of the Pineywoods. Our landscape—rich with yaupon holly, tallow, and sprawling wildflowers—often feels like a bee paradise. However, January in East Texas is a fickle month. With temperatures swinging from a balmy 70°F during the day to a freezing 30°F at night, our colonies face a “feast or famine” crisis. This guide will help you navigate the crucial feeding decisions needed for this month’s specific forecast.
Current conditions in Walker County are showing a significant temperature split. While today offers a warm 70°F, we have a cold front moving in with nights dropping to 30°F through the weekend.
This warmth is a “false spring.” It encourages the bees to break their winter cluster and fly, which burns through their honey stores faster. If the queen begins laying eggs due to the warmth, the colony then has to work twice as hard to keep that brood at a constant $95^circtext{F}$ when the temperature plunges back to freezing at night.
The natural nectar flow in Walker County is abundant but hasn’t started yet. While you may see bees returning with the first hints of elm or maple pollen, there is virtually no nectar available.
The Heft Test: Before opening the hive in the wind, simply lift the back of the hive. If it feels light, they are at risk of starvation.
Behavioral Cues: If you see “testy” bees or evidence of robbing during these warm spells, it is a clear sign that resources are scarce.
The Inspection Rule: Only pull frames if the temperature is above 60°F. In January, keep inspections “low and slow”—check for food stores and get out.
When nature falls short, the right syrup recipe can mean the difference between a thriving spring hive and a “dead-out.” Always use pure white cane sugar.
Best for: Light hives during freezing weeks.
This thick syrup provides immediate calories with less moisture for the bees to evaporate.
The Mix: 2 parts sugar to 1 part water (e.g., 4 lbs sugar to 1 quart water).
Prep: Dissolve sugar into hot (not boiling) water.
Delivery: Place in an in-hive feeder directly above the cluster.
Best for: Late January/Early February as the Elms bloom.
This mimics a nectar flow to encourage the queen to expand the brood nest.
The Mix: 1 part sugar to 1 part water.
Prep: Use warm tap water; stir until clear.
Warning: Use this only when daytime temps are consistently above 55°F to avoid excess hive humidity.
Best for: Emergency feeding during 30°F nights.
If it’s too cold for liquid, place a sheet of newspaper over the top frames and pour a pile of dry granulated sugar on top. Mist it lightly with water to form a crust. This also helps absorb moisture inside the hive.
A smart beekeeper knows when to stop. Your goal is to supplement, not create dependency. Once the Yaupon Holly and Dewberry begin their major flow (usually late February or March), pull your feeders. This ensures you harvest pure Walker County honey, not processed sugar water.
By recognizing the signs of a winter dearth and using these specific feeding strategies, you become a true partner to your bees. Let’s ensure our colonies stay strong through the Pineywoods winter so they are ready for the great spring flow ahead.
We hope to see everyone at our first meeting of the year to kick off a successful 2026 season!
When: Thursday, January 29, 2026
Where: Katy & E. Don Walker Sr. Education Center (1402 19th St, Huntsville, TX)
Time: 6:30 PM (Social/Dues) | 7:00 PM (Meeting Start)
Assistant Professor and Honey Bee Extension Entomologist, Texas A&M AgriLife
Garett will be presenting a two-part talk that bridges education and science:
Texas Master Beekeeping Program (TMBP): An overview of the levels and educational opportunities available to help you become a more knowledgeable beekeeper.
Biology of Drone Congregation Areas (DCAs): An exploration of the fascinating mating sites where queens meet multiple drones, and how this process drives the genetic diversity and health of your colonies.
Reminder: We will be collecting Annual Dues of $20 for the Walker County Beekeepers Association at this meeting. Your dues support our educational programs and local community initiatives.
Your input will be brought to our first board meeting to develop a plan that best serves our community.
Survey responses will also be highlighted in the December 2025 Newsletter and discussed at the January 2026 Meeting.