End of Summer Beekeeping

Beekeeping in Late Summer: What New Beekeepers Should Know

As the golden days of summer begin to fade and a hint of fall creeps into the breeze, August and early September are critical months for beekeepers—especially those new to the craft. Your bees have been hard at work all season, but now it’s time for you to help them prepare for what lies ahead. In the Midwest, and particularly in Wisconsin, these weeks are all about supporting hive health and planning for winter.

Key Tasks for August and Early September:

1. Harvest Honey (If You Haven’t Already)

By now, honey supers should be full or nearly full. If you haven’t harvested your honey yet, now is the time! Make sure to leave enough for the bees—at least 60-90 lbs of honey for overwintering in colder zones like Wisconsin.

2. Begin Varroa Mite Treatments

Varroa destructor mites are a major threat to winter survival. Check your hives using sugar roll or alcohol wash tests, and treat accordingly. August is the perfect window to get mites under control before winter bees are raised.

3. Monitor Queen Performance

Make sure the queen is still laying a healthy brood pattern. A failing queen going into fall could doom the hive. If she’s not performing, it might be worth requeening while the weather is still warm enough for acceptance.

4. Check for Food Stores

Bees will start backfilling the brood nest with honey soon. If stores are low, consider feeding 2:1 sugar syrup in September to help them build up reserves.

5. Combine Weak Hives

If you have a small, struggling colony, it may not survive the winter on its own. Consider combining it with a stronger hive before cooler nights make it more difficult.

6. Inspect for Hive Pests

Wasps, yellowjackets, hive beetles, and wax moths can be aggressive in late summer. Reduce entrances if necessary and keep hives strong and well-defended.

7. Get Equipment Ready for Winterization

Make a plan now for insulating your hives, setting up wind breaks, and installing mouse guards. Don’t wait for the first frost to get prepared!

Support from Waterford Bee Company

Whether you’re harvesting your first batch of honey or learning how to test for mites, the Waterford Bee Company is here to support you with local knowledge. Visit our website to explore helpful resources and our collection of honey, wax, and bee-friendly goods.