B-insights 
Summer is a busy season for beekeepers and their bees alike. During this peak period of activity, bees are gathering nectar, expanding the hive, and producing honey. With the right summer beekeeping practices, you can support a healthy, productive colony and optimize honey production. This guide covers six essential steps to help you make the most of the summer season.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1. Why Summer Beekeeping is Important
Summer is a crucial period for hive growth, honey production, and colony strength. Supporting these activities with the right techniques can lead to a more productive hive and a higher honey yield. Bees are most active in summer, taking advantage of abundant nectar flows from flowering plants. This is the time when the hive expands, and honey stores are built up, so proper management is essential to keep the colony thriving.
Pro Tip: Regular inspections are key to monitoring the hive’s progress and ensuring everything is on track during this peak season.
2. Essential Tools for Summer Hive Management
Having the right tools on hand in summer can help you manage hive tasks smoothly and safely. Here’s what you’ll need: Bee Suit and Gloves: Keeps you protected while working with an active hive. Hive Tool: Essential for separating frames and lifting covers. Smoker: Helps calm the bees and is especially useful during honey harvesting. Queen Excluder: If you’re focusing on honey production, a queen excluder can help prevent brood in the honey super. Brush or Feather: Useful for gently moving bees off frames during inspections and harvest.
Pro Tip: Check that your smoker and hive tool are in good condition before each inspection, as you’ll likely use them more frequently during summer.
3. Managing Hive Space and Preventing Swarms
During the summer, your hive can grow rapidly, and overcrowding can lead to swarming. By managing hive space, you can support the colony’s growth while reducing the risk of losing bees to a swarm. Add Honey Supers: As the hive fills up, add honey supers to give your bees more storage space for nectar and honey. Monitor Brood Space: Ensure the queen has enough space to lay eggs; overcrowded brood space can also trigger swarming. Consider Splitting the Hive: If the colony is very large and shows signs of swarming, a split can help manage the population and give you an additional hive.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on hive activity around mid-summer. Swarm tendencies can be high if the hive becomes congested or if nectar flow slows down.
4. Monitoring Honey Production and Harvesting
Summer is the peak season for honey production, and with careful monitoring, you can time your harvest for optimal quality and quantity. Check Honey Supers: Inspect supers regularly, looking for fully capped honey cells, which indicate that the honey is ready for harvesting. Avoid Over-Harvesting: Ensure you leave enough honey for the bees’ food reserves, especially in regions where nectar flow may slow in late summer. Harvest in the Morning: Honey harvesting is often best done in the morning when bees are out foraging, which can help you manage the hive with fewer interruptions.
Pro Tip: Invest in a quality honey extractor to make the honey harvest process more efficient and reduce damage to combs, which can be reused by the bees.
5. Providing Adequate Water and Ventilation
In hot summer weather, bees need plenty of water and proper ventilation to regulate hive temperature and humidity. Here’s how to help: Provide a Water Source: Place a shallow dish or birdbath with pebbles near the hive for bees to access water safely. Increase Ventilation: Prop up the outer cover slightly to allow for more air circulation, or add a screened bottom board to help reduce heat and moisture. Shade the Hive: If temperatures are extreme, consider providing partial shade to help keep the hive cool, but ensure it still gets adequate sunlight for colony health.
Pro Tip: Avoid placing water directly outside the hive entrance, as this can attract pests and cause overcrowding. A nearby, but slightly distant, water source is ideal.
6. Protecting Against Pests and Predators
Summer can bring a range of pests and predators that pose a risk to your hive. Being vigilant and proactive can protect your colony. Check for Varroa Mites: Summer is a good time to monitor and treat for varroa mites if necessary, as they can weaken the colony’s ability to handle winter. Install a Robber Screen: This can prevent robbing behavior from other bees, which is more common when nectar sources decrease later in the season. Watch for Small Hive Beetles: Keep an eye out for beetles that can damage combs and disturb brood. Use traps if needed to control their population. Protect Against Predators: Animals like skunks can disturb hives at night, so consider adding a hive stand or screen to prevent access.
Pro Tip: Regular inspections can help you catch signs of pests early. Look closely at frames, the hive entrance, and areas where pests may hide.
Conclusion
Summer beekeeping requires active management to support the hive’s growth, productivity, and health. By following these six essential steps, you can maximize honey production, maintain a healthy colony, and prepare for the eventual transition to fall. Regular inspections, attention to hive space, pest control, and proper water and ventilation are key to a successful summer season. Have any summer beekeeping tips to share? Leave a comment below, and don’t forget to check out our blog for more seasonal beekeeping guides and helpful resources!