Month by month

Beekeeping in June

When you do open up in June, you are looking for queen cells, and stores — the June gap can catch a big colony out.

Can I inspect my bees in June?

Yes, every seven days through swarm season: a full inspection needs 15 °C or more, dry, and wind under 22 km/h, between 9am and 6pm. Thundery June afternoons are the exception: leave them be.

Jobs for June

• Swarm checks continue every 7 days. Supersedure cells are also common now.
• The June gap: a big colony with supers on can still starve. Heft, and feed if they are short.
• Add supers for the summer flow (bramble, clover, lime). Extract spring honey if not done.
• Mid-season varroa count. Consider making a nuc from a strong colony.