As summer approaches, local beekeepers are buzzing with excitement over the anticipated honey harvest.
With the prospect of gathering around 60 pounds, or approximately 5 gallons, of honey from three thriving colonies, the beekeeping community looks forward to the sweet rewards of their labor.
Typically, honey is harvested in late June or early July, ensuring that colonies have ample reserves before any honey is extracted.
Regular inspections, held every three weeks during the summer months, allow beekeepers to assess the health of their colonies and keep an eye on potential pests.
One of the essential checks involves removing wax capping from the honeycomb, a crucial step before honey can be extracted.
These inspections also verify the presence of brood, or baby bees, which is vital for the colony’s growth and sustainability.
Among the most common threats to honeybee colonies are small hive beetles and varroa mites, both of which can severely impact hive health.
To combat small hive beetles, beekeepers employ suspended oil traps within the hives that allow the beetles to enter while keeping the bees safe.
Meanwhile, varroa mites pose a more direct threat to bee health.
To monitor mite populations, beekeepers perform an alcohol wash test on a small sample of bees.
Sadly, the bees used in this test do not survive, but their removal reveals the mite populations attached to their bodies, illuminating the need for potential intervention.
In June, one local beekeeper reported mite counts reaching 10 mites per 300 bees, exceeding the recommended thresholds for hive health.
With the potential honey harvest on the line, many beekeepers seek alternative methods to handle mite infestations, especially when typical chemical treatments are unsuitable in high temperatures.
This year, one innovative approach is to dust the bees with powdered sugar.
This method, often referred to as a “sweet dusting,” encourages bees to groom themselves and one another, effectively assisting in mite removal.
The powdered sugar also disrupts the mites’ grip, causing some to fall off the bees.
As summer progresses, the flora in gardens may begin to decline, leading to a phenomenon known as the summer dearth in beekeeping.
During this period, the number of open flowers dwindles, directly impacting the availability of nectar and pollen, and subsequently, honey production.
To prevent starvation, beekeepers exercise caution over the amount of honey extracted, striving to leave around 100 pounds of resources in the hive.
A typical deep box filled with honey, brood, and bees can weigh anywhere from 70 to 90 pounds, while a medium box typically weighs around 40 to 50 pounds.
Once the fall season arrives and temperatures cool, new blooms will revive or emerge, presenting bees with a limited opportunity to gather resources and produce honey before winter.
For newer colonies or those lacking sufficient resources, feeding sugar water is a common practice to simulate nectar availability.
The recommended mixture is a 1:1 ratio of water to white granulated sugar, as other types of sugar do not digest well for bees.
Through all the challenges and intricacies, beekeeping continues to be a rewarding endeavor that highlights the vital role of these remarkable creatures in our ecosystem.
image source from：atlantahistorycenter
