SummerManagement

Presented by Rick Bledsoe

The dearth of nectar

Changes that occur this time of year:

– bees won't draw new comb if no nectar available

– queen may slow down or stop laying

– swarming less likely, but can occur

– bees can be more defensive (mean) when no honey flow

– robbing more likely

Signs of robbing:

-- bees fighting

-- bees trying to get in everywhere

-- bees heavier leaving

-- bees on outside of closed up hive in

morning

Signs of robbing:

-- comb with rough surface

-- wax cappings on floor/entrance of hive

Workers reuse wax—robbers tear off cappings and let them drop

To help prevent robbing:

– strong hives (requeen, give capped brood, or combine weak hives with strong ones)

– entrance reducers/robber screens

– stay out of hives as much as possible

– no open feeding

– beware of spilling syrup and leaky feeders

Robbing Screen

Entrance Reducers

Bearding

Evaluate your queens. Requeen if poor layer.

Some also routinely requeen if queen is 2 years old.

Poor laying

pattern

Good brood pattern

Provide water for bees if no source within a half-mile.

August is a good time to check and treat for varroa.

Understanding Mite Count:Sugar Shake Method

Post honey flow before final fall brood rearing – Aug/Sept Treat when levels are 10-12 mites/sample

Understanding Mite Count:Sticky Board Method

Place sticky board under SBB for 3 days.

Divide total number of mites by 3 to calculate 24 hour average.

Spring: 5-10 mites Fall: 50-60 mites

Wax moths attack stored frames and weak hives