SUMMER SOLTICE RAMBLINGS--REV. 1

The summer solstice has just occurred; providing us with the maximum amount of daylight.  What does this mean in the world of beekeeping?

The long days provide the bees the maximum of time for nectar gathering.  Mother nature has made this coincide with the blooming of alfalfa, clovers, and numerous other nectar producing plants. 

Hives populations are nearing their maximum as the bees were using the pollen and nectar for raising brood.  For a short time, the population will remain at its maximum before beginning a decline in mid-August.   In response to the shortening days the queen will soon begin reducing her egg laying.  

Varroa populations are also increasing because of the abundance of brood in the hive.  At this time the majority of mites are hidden inside brood cells parasitizing the brood.   With the honey supers on the hive the only ways of controlling the mites is use of formic acid treatments or drone brood removal, which require partial disassembly of the hive; not a task relished by the beekeeper. 

Some beekeepers indicate that the summer solstice is the cutoff date for naturally starting new hives in northern climates.  At this point there is insufficient time and food resources for a new hive to build to a sufficient size to survive the winter.   There are techniques to work around this rule, but are labor intensive on the part of the beekeeper.   

Recently there has been interest in overwintering nucs.   However, even here the varroa problem intervenes.  Without effective varroa control these nucs will be doomed in winter.  Well, that’s my lead in for reminding you to watch the webinar on “Making a plan for Varroa” at 7PM EST ( ^ PM CST) next Tuesday, June 26^th.    Log in to the webinar at https://msu.zoom.us/j/433681172.  The webinar is hosted by Michigan State University’s Meghan Milbrath.