Month by month

Beekeeping in July

When you do open up in July, you are looking for capped honey ready to take, and queen cells until mid-month.

Can I inspect my bees in July?

Yes. Seven-day checks until the middle of the month, then you can ease off. A full inspection needs 15 °C or more, dry, and wind under 22 km/h, between 9am and 6pm; keep inspections quick in the heat.

Jobs for July

• Main flow. Keep supers on and check they have room; swarm checks until the middle of the month.
• Start clearing capped supers towards the end of the month. Clearer boards on the evening before.
• Wasps start. Reduce entrances on weaker colonies and do not leave comb or drips about.
• Watch for robbing on hot afternoons. Keep inspections quick.