June To-Do’s:

As weather permits, the beginning of this month is prime time to check your honey supers and consider harvesting if you haven’t already. Take steps to avoid robbing by limiting time inside the hive when harvesting. Also, try to avoid dripping honey around hives which can also entice potential robbers. Ensure each colony has enough food stores to maintain their numbers and growth. Harvest only what is needed and feed only if necessary. Basswood and Sourwood trees are beginning to bloom and produce now which means colonies may not accept artificial feed as readily at this time.

Be sure to check your colonies for excess condensation on the inner cover or inside the boxes. Consider replacing failing equipment or sealing up any gaps between boxes that may allow windblown rain an access point. Continue to monitor for small hive beetles and take steps if needed. There should be plenty of water available at the moment, however, if we begin experiencing longer periods of warm sunny days ensure there are sources of water close by.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are more than happy to help.