As a beekeeper with many seasons behind me, I know firsthand that August in the South can be one of the most challenging times for our bees. We’ve entered what we call the “dog days of summer,” where nectar flow has slowed to a crawl, the days are hot and dry, and our colonies feel the stress more than ever.
With the dearth of nectar, our bees are forced to rely on the food stores they’ve built up—or on what we provide for them. This is the time of year when diligent beekeepers must step in with supplemental feeding. A light syrup or sugar feed may be necessary to keep colonies strong, especially for hives that are light on stores. Regular inspections of food reserves are critical—don’t assume a hive has enough just because it looks active at the entrance.
But feeding comes with its own risks. During a dearth, bees are on edge, and the scent of syrup can quickly set off robbing frenzies. A strong hive will exploit any weakness, and colonies that are smaller or struggling can be torn apart. For that reason, extreme care should be taken when feeding—never spill a drop of syrup near the hives, keep feeders tight, and work quickly and deliberately to reduce exposure.
Adding to the challenge, mite populations are peaking this time of year. Heat, lack of forage, and parasitic pressure create a perfect storm of stress for our bees. Left unchecked, mites can weaken colonies to the point that they won’t survive winter, no matter how much feed you give them. Every beekeeper should be running mite checks and taking appropriate action to manage populations now.
The key to navigating this season is vigilance. Monitor food stores regularly, manage mites aggressively, and always be mindful of robbing pressure. Strong management during these hot, lean days of August will set the stage for your colonies to recover when fall nectar arrives—and more importantly, prepare them for the long winter ahead.
Stay cool out there and stay on top of your bees. They’re counting on you.