July is a pivotal month in the beekeeping calendar. While bees are often at their busiest, nectar flow may begin to taper in many regions — making this a time to closely monitor food stores, pest levels, and overall hive strength. Whether you’re harvesting honey or bracing for a summer dearth, here’s what to focus on:

1. Harvest Honey (If Supers Are Full & Capped)

If your bees have filled and capped their honey supers, it’s time to harvest!

What to do:

  • Only extract frames that are at least 90% capped to avoid moisture issues.

  • Use a fume board, escape board, or gentle brushing to remove bees from supers.

  • After extraction, store honey in airtight containers in a cool, dry place.

Pro Tip: Return wet supers to the hive early in the morning or late evening to prevent robbing.

2. Watch for the Summer Dearth

In many regions, nectar flow slows or stops altogether in July. This is known as the "summer dearth."

What to do:

  • Monitor food stores weekly — especially in newly split or small colonies.

  • Feed light 1:1 sugar syrup if stores drop too low (typically below 5 lbs).

  • Ensure bees have access to fresh water to regulate hive temperature.

Regional Note: Some areas may still have active nectar sources — observe bee flight and pollen intake to gauge local flow.

3. Continue Monitoring for Varroa Mites

Mite loads can spike quickly in July, setting the stage for late-summer colony collapse if left unchecked.

What to do:

  • Perform an alcohol wash or sugar roll every 3–4 weeks.

  • Treat only if mite levels exceed thresholds, and use treatments that are safe with honey supers, like Formic Pro.

Planning Ahead: Prepare for a comprehensive treatment post-honey harvest when you can remove supers.

4. Keep an Eye on Queen Performance

By July, queens should be laying strong, consistent brood patterns. But heat stress or mite pressure can cause decline.

What to do:

  • Look for solid, tight brood patterns.

  • Requeen if the pattern is spotty, drone-heavy, or nonexistent.

  • Ensure colonies have enough young workers to care for brood.

5. Guard Against Robbing

With fewer natural nectar sources, bees (and wasps) may try to rob weaker colonies.

What to do:

  • Reduce entrance size on small or new hives.

  • Avoid spilling syrup or leaving exposed honey near hives.

  • Never feed hives openly in dry periods.

6. Provide Shade & Water in the Heat

Summer heat can be brutal, especially in southern or arid regions.

What to do:

  • Ensure hives have ventilation and aren’t sealed tight.

  • Use screened bottom boards or prop open lids slightly.

  • Provide a clean water source near the apiary (bees prefer shallow, accessible water).

7. Cycle Out Old Frames

July is still a good time to swap out old, dark brood comb.

What to do:

  • Replace a few frames at a time to maintain colony balance.

  • Avoid disrupting brood patterns or nectar storage.

8. Prepare for Fall Management

Yes, already! Strong late-summer management ensures winter survival.

What to do:

  • Begin assessing colony strength and queen quality.

  • Plan for August mite treatments and fall feeding as needed.

  • Start organizing equipment for fall splits or nuc overwintering if applicable.

July Wrap-Up: Stay Vigilant as the Flow Slows

July is a month of observation and balance — watching honey stores, preventing mite explosions, and preparing for the season ahead. Keep your bees cool, healthy, and well-supported, and they’ll carry that strength into fall.

🐝 Mid-summer success sets the stage for a strong finish. Happy beekeeping!