Metro Atlanta Beekeepers Association

May is much like April in the bee world. The nectar flow continues to be strong and if the weather stays cool the bees will still be collecting both tulip poplar nectar and clover. Because of this, swarming is still a distinct possibility. The hive can still easily get overcrowded. The need for water increases with the rising temperatures as we head towards summer. Queens should still be laying lots of eggs. 

Water: Be sure there is a good water supply.

Things will begin to slow down toward the end of this month. The nectar flow will slowly decline. The tulip poplar buds will be finished as will clover, blackberry, and most other nectar bearing plants. But the heat begins in earnest now and the bees will be scouting for water. As the heat increases, so will the small hive beetles.

Water: Once again, be sure there is plenty of water available to the bees.

Harvesting your honey: The end of June is a good time to harvest your honey! Be sure to do this in a place where the bees cannot "help". Go inside!

When finished, place the wet supers back on top of the inner cover, and add the top cover, sealing them closed on top. Let the bees clean these wet supers of all honey drips. Remove the cleaned up supers to prepare them for storage. However, place one of the clean, empty supers back on top of the hive before closing up the hive as usual.

Storage of supers: If you don’t relocate your hives, you’ll need to store your supers. For best results without having to use chemicals, freeze your supers for 48 hours to kill any wax moth larvae or small hive beetles. Then dry the supers completely by placing in front of a fan. When completely dry, place them in heavy duty black plastic bags and seal tightly. You may still need a super or two to place on a hive as sometimes the bees will still find a little nectar to bring in.

Relocate hives for sourwood flow: Many beekeepers in the Atlanta area take their hives up to higher elevations in north Georgia for the sourwood nectar flow. The sourwood tree yields a beautiful, clear, tasty honey that has a distinctive flavor and is coveted by many connoisseurs of honey.