July is an important month for Scottish beekeepers, as the bees continue to thrive and produce honey. Here are some of the tasks and activities that beekeepers should be carrying out in July:
Check for disease:
As the weather becomes warmer, the risk of disease increases. Beekeepers should be vigilant in checking for signs of disease, such as deformed wing virus, foulbrood, and nosema, and take action if necessary to prevent the spread of disease.
"A swarm of bees in May is worth a load of hay; a swarm of bees in June is worth a silver spoon; but a swarm of bees in July is not worth a fly." - Old English Proverb.
Monitor food stores:
The bees will continue to consume food throughout the summer, so beekeepers should keep an eye on the food stores and provide supplementary food if necessary.
Harvest honey:
July is a common time for honey production, and beekeepers may want to harvest some of the honey. However, it is important to ensure that the colonies have enough food to get them through the rest of the season.
"The keeping of bees is like the direction of sunbeams." - Henry David Thoreau.
Check for pests:
Pests such as Varroa mites can be a problem for bees in the summer. Beekeepers should regularly check for pests and take action if necessary to prevent infestations.
Check for swarming:
July is also a time to keep an eye out for signs of swarming, which can be prevented by reducing the amount of honey in the hives.
Attend a workshop or course:
July is a great time to continue learning more about beekeeping and improving your skills. Consider attending a workshop or taking a course to learn more about the latest best practices and techniques.
"Bees that have honey in their mouths have stings in their tails." - Aesop.
July is an important month for Scottish beekeepers, as the bees continue to thrive and produce honey. By checking for disease, monitoring food stores, and preventing swarming, beekeepers can ensure that their colonies are healthy and productive. And by attending workshops or courses, beekeepers can continue to improve their skills and knowledge, ensuring that their bees thrive for years to come.
References:
"The Beekeeper's Handbook" by Diana Sammataro and Alphonse Avitabile.
"The Scottish Beekeeper Magazine" (July 2021 Edition)
"Beekeeping for Dummies" by Howland Blackiston.
"The Complete Guide to Beekeeping" by Richard Bonney.
Scottish Beekeepers Association website (https://scottishbeekeepers.org.uk)
"The Hive and the Honey Bee" edited by Joe M. Graham.
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