Top Beekeeping Tasks for August

Once the honey is ripe and properly capped, remove the supers you plan to harvest. Work calmly, keep exposed honey covered and avoid leaving wet comb or spills near the apiary, where they may trigger robbing. Before extracting, check the water content with a refractometer if you are unsure whether the crop is ready. Then uncap the frames over a suitable tray, extract the honey and strain it into a clean food-grade container.

After removing honey intended for human consumption, assess the Varroa level in each colony and treat promptly where needed. Mite numbers can rise quickly while the colony population begins to fall. Protecting bees raised in late summer is vital because these are the long-lived bees that will carry the colony through winter. Choose a treatment suitable for the colony, weather and season, always following the product label, directions and withdrawal periods.

Grass, brambles and other fast-growing vegetation can obstruct the flight path, restrict ventilation and make inspections awkward. Cut back growth around each hive and make sure the entrance is clear and easy for returning foragers to find. Take care not to strim directly against the hive because vibration and debris can disturb the colony; hand tools are often the gentler option close to the entrance.

As the main swarming season draws to a close, collect any empty bait hives or swarm boxes that are no longer needed. Clean off excess brace comb, check for damage and store the equipment somewhere dry, secure and protected from pests. Keep boxes and frames off damp floors and protect stored comb from wax moth and mice so the equipment is ready for next year's swarm season.

August is generally the last practical opportunity to make necessary splits in many parts of the UK. Any new colony needs enough time, bees and food to build strength before colder weather arrives, so avoid dividing colonies simply to increase numbers. Inspect each colony with winter in mind: confirm it is queenright, has a healthy brood pattern, enough bees and adequate stores. Unite colonies unlikely to become viable alone and resolve queen or brood problems without delay.

As nectar becomes scarce, strong colonies, wasps and other insects may target weaker hives. Fit entrance reducers so resident bees have a smaller area to defend, especially on nucs and less populous colonies. Work tidily during inspections, avoid spilling syrup or honey and do not leave supers or wet comb exposed. Feed only when necessary, preferably late in the day, and make sure feeders do not leak.

Wasp pressure often increases in late summer. Watch hive entrances for repeated attacks, fighting or bees struggling to defend the colony. Keep the apiary clean, reduce entrances where appropriate and use traps carefully so they support rather than replace good apiary management. Remain alert for Asian hornets. If you suspect one, photograph it from a safe distance where possible and report the sighting promptly through the official UK route. Do not approach or disturb a nest.