Feeding Summer Pollen

BEEKEEPING: The Bee Supply — Feeding Pollen Patties in the Summer

In the heat of summer, especially in Texas, beekeepers face unique challenges in maintaining the health of their hives. As July brings intense heat and dry conditions, natural pollen sources dwindle, leading beekeepers to adopt alternative feeding strategies to sustain their bee populations.

Key Points on Summer Pollen Feeding:

• Decline of Natural Pollen Sources: During the hot and dry months, most nectar-producing flowers in Texas die off, significantly reducing natural pollen availability.

• Monitoring Pollen Stores: It's crucial for beekeepers to regularly check the pollen stores within the hive. A depletion of these stores can critically affect the hive's health.

• Importance of Pollen Patties: Pollen patties serve as an essential supplement, providing the necessary protein bees need to raise brood and prevent unhealthy conditions like brood cannibalization.

• Assessing Hive Health: Beekeepers should look for signs like bees bringing less pollen into the hive or low pollen reserves around the brood nest as indicators to start supplemental feeding.

• Application of Pollen Patties: It's recommended to place a soft, pliable one-pound pollen patty directly on the hive's top bars. This placement ensures bees have easy access to the supplement.

• Regular Maintenance: Check the consumption of the pollen patty weekly. If not significantly consumed, store the excess in the freezer to prevent issues with small hive beetles.

• Continued Feeding Schedule: Throughout the summer, feeding one pollen patty every other week helps ensure the hive remains strong and can continue raising healthy brood.

• Observing Brood Health: A healthy brood should be floating in royal jelly. A lack of this indicates insufficient nutrition, necessitating supplemental feeding.

Conclusion:

Feeding pollen patties during the harsh summer months is a vital practice for beekeepers, especially in regions like Texas where natural pollen is scarce. By closely monitoring their hives and ensuring a consistent supply of nutritional supplements, beekeepers can help maintain the health and productivity of their bees, preparing them to survive the upcoming winter. This proactive management is key to successful beekeeping and sustaining bee populations amid challenging environmental conditions.