August Bee Calendar - What's Happening Inside the Hive

What’s Happening Inside the Hive?

This month is much like July. The bees are still rearing brood, but storing little honey. And they still need water.

Late summer is the time for bees to try to rob honey from other hives. This is because of the dearth of nectar. If you have more than one hive, don’t open a hive for more than a few minutes. Unguarded honey leads to a “robbing frenzy”. Even if you then close the hive, the robbing bees remain in the same frame of mind. Stronger hives will do their best to fight their way into the weaker hives. Watch for fighting bees at the entrances of the hives.

August is a serious month for varroa mites. The mites have been reproducing rapidly in the brood cells since spring. Their numbers can build up without any apparent signs of trouble and then suddenly destroy a hive within a few weeks.

Beekeeper Chores

If you haven’t looked for varroa this summer, do so now (as described for July). August is the month to begin thinking about winter. A weak hive should be de-queened and united with a stronger hive.

Observations and Ideas

Kentucky beekeepers work together at the honey booth at the state fair each August in Louisville. The fair is a good opportunity to sell your honey and to meet with other beekeepers. This activity is planned by the Kentucky State Beekeeping Association.

By this time of year, you and your beekeeping friends nearby know whether you have had a good year. Compare notes on honey production, queens, mite problems and other concerns. Note the sources of the best queens purchased by other beekeepers. Word of mouth is often the best way to find good queen and package bee producers.

Source: http://www.ksbabeekeeping.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/beecalendar.pdf