1. The weather of the month

In July the weather is generally fine and hot, with pronounced heat peaks (often above 30 °C, especially in lowland areas) and usually very little precipitation. Depending on the location, drought is therefore a concern. Plants suffer from water stress, nectar availability decreases, and food shortage leads bee populations to consume their reserves. In some years, however, abundant rainfall on sunflower crops makes them highly nectariferous.

2. Flowering

With the exception of sunflower-growing regions, major nectar flows become rarer in July. We enter the period of fruit maturation, which will extend into autumn. Bees discover new floral resources that sustain them, but whose nectar is insufficient to build winter reserves. If it did not flower in June, lime tree produces little and for a very short period (less than one week), some species being scarcely nectariferous. Forest lime honey has a particularly pronounced flavour. Sunflower was a revelation when it became widespread in industrial agriculture: very nectar-rich, yielding several hundred kilograms of honey per hectare, it was for a long time one of the most important honey sources. Today it no longer generates such high yields. Widespread in Europe and Asia Minor on acidic, sunny and well-drained soils, heather (Calluna and Erica) are characteristic plants of heathlands, bogs and pine forests. Beekeepers are now wary of sunflowers treated with systemic insecticides. In addition to nectar, their pollen may contain traces of these pesticides, affecting brood and leading to a progressive weakening of colonies.
Lavandin fields are particularly sought after by beekeepers. Harvests from lavandin are never exceptional, only slightly above average, but the honey is highly appreciated. Phacelia modifies soil structure by absorbing nitrates and is highly nectariferous provided atmospheric humidity is high.
In July one should also note amorpha or false indigo, chicory (for its nectar until September), yellow sweet clover, burdock, self-heal, brown knapweed (until September), hollyhocks, rudbeckias, sea lavender, sunflowers, globe thistle, willowherb and annual eyebright (until October).

3. Life of the colony

Food shortage appears in many areas, leading numerous colonies to expel drones from the hives. Unable to feed themselves, they die of starvation. Non-aggressive and without a sting, they are entirely dependent on the workers’ tolerance.

4. Bee biology

Temperature regulation

At this time of year, hive temperature remains relatively constant because bees regulate it continuously. This is essential as brood development requires a minimum temperature of 35 °C, which may rise to 37 °C but must not be exceeded, otherwise the pupae would die.
To regulate heat, bees use several mechanisms:

• Producing heat. As bees do not store food reserves in their bodies, they constantly consume honey to generate the necessary heat. They vibrate their muscles, which warm up; at thorax level, the ventral plate reaches about 40 °C.
• Humidifying the hive. When hive temperature is too high, bees spread out; foragers fetch water and deposit it on top of the frames. Ventilation then evaporates the water, lowering the temperature.
• “Bearding”. In the evening, during intense heat and when population is large, bees cluster beneath the hive entrance, forming a “beard”. By remaining outside, they reduce internal hive temperature.
• Cluster formation. When cold arrives in autumn and winter, bees keep warm by clustering tightly together on honey frames, forming a ball or “cluster”. By continuously consuming honey, they maintain a constant temperature vital for survival, though brood care is then largely suspended.

5. Apiary hygiene and health

Wax moth development

There are two types of wax moth, large and small, commonly referred to simply as “moths” by beekeepers. These grey moths lay eggs everywhere: outside the hive in crevices and, when possible, inside. When the numerous eggs hatch, tiny larvae attempt to enter the hive through cracks to colonise combs that have contained brood or pollen.

They are found in debris on bottom boards and under frame rests, as well as in certain cells, disrupting larval development and preventing capping. To develop, the moth requires proteins, which it finds in pollen and larval residues. It tunnels through combs and lines its galleries with silk. Combs are gradually destroyed. Healthy colonies usually chase away moths, whereas weak colonies can be devastated by this parasite. Whitish filaments and small black dots (their droppings) indicate infestation.

The first Varroa treatment

The first anti-varroa treatment takes place after the honey harvest. Its purpose is to halt mite development and prevent sudden colony collapse due to massive infestation. The most effective treatment, however, is recommended in autumn.

Varroa control

By the end of August or at the latest early September, the second summer treatment is required. Several methods using formic acid are available:

• Dribble treatment
• Apidea evaporator
• Liebig evaporator
• Nassenheider evaporator
• MAQS treatment

6. Work at the apiary

The harvest

Harvesting is carried out when supers are full and frames are capped at least three quarters. For hobbyists it is a festive moment shared with family and friends, making it important to avoid stings. Harvest techniques aim to remove as many bees as possible from the super and to avoid provoking the apiary. What beekeepers call a “harvest” is experienced by bees as a loss, prompting strong defensive behaviour.
Tip: Harvest on a fine, warm day with high atmospheric pressure, while the last bloom is not fully finished. With many foragers outside, colonies are less aggressive.

Preparing winter stores

From July onwards, wintering is prepared. Colonies must be strong, healthy and well supplied. As harvesting removes much of their honey, supplementary feeding is required.

Feeding the colony

After mid-July harvest, heavy feeding may be necessary, up to 20 litres of concentrated syrup. This temporarily blocks queen laying, but once syrup is converted to honey, space is freed and laying resumes strongly. After feeding, the hive should weigh 18–25 kg when lifted at the back, ensuring adequate winter stores.

Varroa treatment

July is the month of the first chemical varroa treatment, using thymol or formic acid in approved products. Thymol treatments last about one month, formic acid about two weeks. They are effective between 20 °C and 30 °C; above 30 °C they must be suspended, and below 20 °C they are ineffective. No feeding is carried out during formic acid treatment.

And also…

Well-preserved honey super frames without brood can be used for up to ten years. Brood frames should ideally be replaced every three years. Cappings wax is considered pure and can be recycled, whereas brood comb wax contains residues from varroa treatments and must not be reused.

Source: Jean Riondet, 2010: Beekeeping Month by Month, Ulmer