Beekeeping During Peak Season

The long, hot, rainy days of May and June are the peak of honey bee colony production. It is a good opportunity to gauge the strength of hives before the fall, when the pest and disease threats are highest.

A bustling colony can usually be identified without even opening it. Watch for foragers returning with full pollen baskets, as well as substantial orientation flights in the afternoons.

A flurry of activity near the entrance can be deceptive, at a glance. Robbing activity will rise throughout the rest of the year.

The strongest hives are usually the ones responsible for robbing out the weaker ones.

Interestingly, honey bees do not rob pollen.

This time of year, reading the brood frames carefully will pay dividends during the dearth. The shoulders of brood frames should be filled with honey. It is common for wet nectar to rain from open cells when manipulating frames.

Bee populations are at their highest, and should cover most of the brood. Open larva should appear plump and shiny. Capped brood cells should be puffy and unperforated. Most cells should be occupied. Workers should be large and fuzzy, with strong wings.

Beekeeping is very forgiving during peak season. Proper preparation for the fall begins as soon as the nectar slows.

The importance of a varied and nutritious bee diet is known, but still not fully understood. It is vital to leave enough honey for the colony to thrive.

Removing drone brood is beneficial, this time of year. As resources dwindle, the workers will do the same.

The dearth in late summer is a great opportunity to assess varroa populations, and decide a course of treatment before the fall nectar flow.

The dearth is a good time to practice queen confinement, because worker populations can recover in the fall, before the dry season.

Choose mite treatments carefully—they are temperature dependent, and have different lengths of application.

Honey bee hives are at increased risk of predation from carnivorous insects, ants, lizards, skunks, toads, and bears, as easier food options become less available. Regular assaults from these threats increase defensiveness.

Hive temperament can vary depending on a multitude of factors, but it is helpful to make note of their general demeanor during inspections.

Reduce entrances and the amount of excess space to defend. Consider reducing general hive manipulation, as well.