Glossary
Management strategies for honey bee colonies during the summer nectar dearth, the period (typically June through September in many regions) when high temperatures dry up nectar sources and colonies shift from surplus mode to survival mode. Proper dearth management prevents starvation, robbing, and population decline.
The transition from nectar flow to dearth can happen quickly. Signs include decreased forager traffic at the entrance, bees becoming more defensive (protecting scarce resources), robbing behavior at neighboring hives, the colony consuming rather than storing food, and cessation of new wax construction.
In Florida, the summer dearth typically begins in late June or July, depending on location. The combination of extreme heat, afternoon thunderstorms, and exhausted spring nectar sources creates a challenging period that can last until the fall flow begins (Brazilian pepper in South Florida, goldenrod in North Florida).
Monitor food stores carefully. Heft the back of each hive weekly; rapidly lightening hives need supplemental feeding. Feed thick syrup (2:1 sugar to water) in internal feeders to supplement stores. Do not use open feeders, which trigger robbing from neighboring colonies.
Reduce entrances to 2-3 bee widths to help the colony defend against robbing. Minimize hive inspections (each inspection disrupts the colony and releases alarm pheromone that attracts robbers). Ensure water is available near the apiary because bees need water for evaporative cooling in extreme heat.
Only if stores are low. Colonies with 3 or more frames of stored honey can typically survive a 2-3 month dearth without feeding. Colonies with fewer than 2 frames of honey should receive supplemental syrup. Over-feeding during dearth can stimulate brood production that the colony cannot sustain.
Increased defensiveness during dearth is normal. Bees are protecting their limited food reserves. Other factors include heat stress, robbing pressure from other colonies, and crowded conditions. Reduce your inspection frequency and work hives quickly during dearth periods.
Reduce entrances, avoid spilling syrup or honey near hives, use internal feeders rather than open ones, keep inspections brief, and never leave exposed comb or honey frames in the open. At the first sign of robbing, reduce entrances immediately and drape a wet towel over the affected hive.
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