With the majority of the nation experiencing extended summertime heat, maintaining a colony's strength can be a challenge. It is essential for a hive to sustain itself and even grow during these crucial times. Two essential resources are crucial: pollen for protein and nectar for carbohydrates. Due to the poor quality of available pollen during summer, the necessity of either relocating colonies to areas with diverse pollen sources or providing pollen supplements like frozen frames or pollen patties is key. Additionally, ensuring that a carbohydrate source such as sugar or corn syrup is available is crucial in maintaining or increasing colony populations during these challenging months. Listen as Dr. Jamie Ellis addresses these challenges and provides us with some good instruction on how to successfully survive the dog days of summer.

Video Summary: Dr. Jamie Ellis - Growing & Sustaining Bees During Summer

Dr. Jamie Ellis explores effective strategies for beekeepers in Florida to manage and support their bee colonies during the challenging summer months. As resources like nectar and pollen dwindle, Ellis provides insights on how to maintain and even grow bee populations despite these adversities.

Key Strategies and Insights:

• Resource Scarcity: Summer in Florida sees a significant decline in available nectar and pollen, essential resources for bee sustenance and growth.
• Importance of Pollen: Pollen is crucial as it serves as food for larvae and helps adult bees develop food-producing glands.
• Low-Quality Pollen Challenge: The prevalent grass pollen during Florida's summer is of low quality, impacting bee health and colony growth.
• Relocation for Better Resources: Moving bee colonies to areas with more diverse pollen sources can significantly enhance their growth potential.
• Supplementing Diet: Introducing high-quality pollen supplements or providing stored pollen can help sustain and grow colonies.
• Carbohydrate Feeding: Supplementing bees with sugar syrup or corn syrup provides the necessary carbohydrates that bees lack during summer dearths.
• Protein and Carbohydrate Balance: Ensuring a balance of protein (pollen or supplements) and carbohydrates is vital for colony health and growth.
• Aggressive Feeding for Growth: To expand bee colonies during the summer, aggressive feeding strategies are essential, as practiced by successful commercial beekeepers. See our collection of bee feeders.
• Continuous Monitoring: Regularly assessing the health and resources of the bee colonies can help in making timely decisions regarding relocation and supplementation.

Conclusion

Dr. Jamie Ellis highlights the importance of proactive and strategic resource management to support bee colonies through Florida’s tough summer months. By understanding the critical needs of bees and employing methods such as relocation, dietary supplements, and aggressive feeding, beekeepers can ensure the survival and growth of their colonies despite the seasonal challenges.

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