July Beekeeping To Do Lists:

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As July rolls in, summer reaches its peak—and so does activity in the hive. The bees are working hard, nectar is still flowing (though this varies by region), and your hives may be at their most populated and productive. For beekeepers, July is a crucial month of observation, management, and preparing for what comes next.

Here’s a breakdown of what beekeepers should be doing and looking for during hive inspections in July:

🐝 Hive Inspections: What to Look For

1. Queen Status and Brood PatternCheck that the queen is present and laying well. Look for:

• Eggs and all stages of brood (eggs, larvae, capped pupae)

• A solid, consistent brood pattern (spotty brood can indicate problems like a failing queen or disease)

• Queen cups or swarm cells—especially if your hive feels crowded

If you don’t see the queen but see fresh eggs (tiny white dots), she was there recently. If you see multiple eggs per cell or irregular laying, you might have a laying worker or queen issues.

2. Space & OvercrowdingBees need room to store nectar and raise brood. In July:

• Make sure there’s enough space in the brood nest and honey supers.

• If supers are getting full, add another one.

• Consider removing full honey frames to extract, creating more space for incoming nectar.

3. Signs of SwarmingThough peak swarm season is spring, some strong hives may still swarm in July. Look for:

• Swarm cells at the bottom of frames

• Overcrowding in the brood nest

• A sudden drop in bee population (if a swarm already occurred)

If you spot queen cells, assess whether the bees are preparing to swarm or are superseding a failing queen.

4. Pests and Disease ChecksMid-summer means rising varroa mite populations and other threats.

• Varroa Mite Checks: Do an alcohol wash or sugar roll to estimate mite load.

  • If mite levels are high, plan a treatment strategy that won’t contaminate honey supers.

• Look for signs of:

  • Deformed Wing Virus (DWV)

  • Chalkbrood or foulbrood

  • Wax moth or small hive beetle infestations

🍯 Seasonal Tasks for July Beekeepers

1. Harvesting Honey (if ready)In many areas, the main nectar flow ends in mid-to-late July. If your honey supers are capped and full:

• Harvest honey before it’s exposed to heat and humidity too long.

• Use a refractometer or shake test to ensure honey is properly cured.

2. Manage Hive Ventilation & HeatJuly is hot! Bees may beard on the outside of the hive to keep cool.

• Consider adding a screened bottom board or extra ventilation.

• Make sure hives are shaded during the hottest part of the day if possible.

3. Water Source MaintenanceKeep a clean, consistent water source nearby. Bees need water to regulate hive temperature and dilute honey.

4. Plan for Late-Summer & Fall

• Think ahead about mite treatment timing (August is often treatment month).

• Evaluate weaker colonies now so you can combine or requeen before resources dwindle.

• Start preparing for fall nectar sources or feeding plans if you’re in an area with a dearth coming.

🌻 A Note on Nectar Flow

In some areas (like parts of Indiana), the nectar flow slows or stops in late July. Pay attention to:

• Bees becoming more defensive or robbing behavior increasing

• A slowdown in brood rearing

• Less stored nectar or pollen coming in

If your bees begin to struggle with food stores, a sugar syrup supplement (1:1 ratio) might be necessary to support them through the dearth.

Final Thoughts

July hive inspections are all about awareness and proactive care. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of honey harvest, but keeping an eye on queen health, space, mite levels, and seasonal shifts is key to long-term colony success.

Strong management in July sets you—and your bees—up for a smoother fall and successful overwintering.

🐝 From our hives to yours, happy beekeeping this summer! If you’re in Southern Indiana and need local honey or beekeeping supplies, contact us at Corydon Bee Company.