During the month of July, bees should typically occupy between 80-90% of the frames within the hive. You should observe full bee coverage across the entire brood area on all brood frames; while food frames generally host fewer bees, they should still maintain consistent coverage.
Please contact the GBA if you have any questions!
Excessive internal space (too many boxes) is a frequent problem that can be addressed by removing surplus frames and boxes or by using follower boards to consolidate the hive. Minimizing unoccupied space helps the colony to maintain proper temperature in the hive.
Key Inspection Priorities
- Monitor Population: Check if the workforce is expanding, plateauing, or shrinking.
- Assess Brood: Look for healthy, tight patterns of capped brood and larvae.
- Check Stores: Verify the amount of honey and pollen inside the hive.
Managing a Limited Nectar Flow
- Key Signs: Less brood and population growth halts. No stored honey
- The Solution: Feed a 1:1 sugar syrup immediately to stimulate the queen.
- The Goal: Boost egg-laying to ensure a strong workforce for winter!!!
- Prevention: Use entrance reducers to prevent robbing.
Essential July Tasks
- Control Mites: Monitor Varroa mite levels and apply heat-tolerant treatments if needed. Formic Pro and other treatments are not recommended when outside temperatures are high.
- Provide Water: Ensure a clean, reliable water source is near the apiary.
