Beat the Heat - Top Tips for Hot Hive Days

Hey Busy Bees! 🌞🐝 So, let’s talk about handling our buzzing buddies in the scorching heat.

We all know that when it gets too hot, our top bar hives can turn into a bit of a sticky situation. Let me share some secrets to keep our colonies cool and happy.

Heat and honeycomb don’t mix well. Working in a hot top bar hive can lead to comb failure, which is usually a no-no for our beloved bees. Remember, when it’s too hot, give your bees a break and stay out of that hive. Now, let’s get into some cool solutions.

Prepping for Hot Weather

Do all your intrusive hive management early in the season. Don’t be a last-minute bee buddy!
Prop up those hive covers for better air circulation and shade above the top bars.
Ensure a good water source is nearby – hydration is key!
Open all hive entrances for a breezy vibe.
Opt for hot weather feeding outside the hive – let’s keep the hive chill.

Pro tip: When it’s scorching, beekeeping can wait – it’s a hot hive holiday!

Feral Wisdom vs. Beehives

Feral colonies are like bee gurus when it comes to handling the heat. They find cool spots near water, choose insulated hideouts, and manage their broodnest like seasoned architects. Unlike our beehives that often face the heat on the ground, these wild bees are the cool cats of the colony world.

Solutions to Heat-Induced Hive Havoc

As most heat issues are beekeeper-induced, here’s how you can save the day:

Place colonies in shaded, well-ventilated spots.
Provide a clean and abundant water source.
Elevate those covers for that perfect shady ambiance.
Leave comb attachments intact for quick repairs if needed.
Remember: Never work, move, disrupt, feed, or harvest from a top bar hive when it’s too hot.

Beat the Heat, Beekeeper Style

cooling off at the beach

-Too Hot! Forget that top bar hive. Chill out.

If it’s too hot for hive business, it’s perfect for some YOU time:

Head to the lake for a cool breeze.
Enjoy a relaxing patio session.
Sip on some mead or lemonade with fresh mint leaves – the sweet life!

Don’t stress – the bees are A-okay because you’ve got it all covered:

Ideal location? Check.
Good water source? Double-check.
Top bar hives prepped for hot weather? Absolutely.
Comb work done in cooler times? You bet.
Covers propped open for that extra airflow? Of course.
Bees had time to secure comb attachments? All sorted.

When is it Too Hot?

Factors to Consider

Now, let’s talk temperature – it’s not just about the number on the thermometer. Consider these factors:

Is the hive shaded?
Cloudy or sunny day?
How long has the hive been soaking up that sun?
What’s the sun’s angle?
Morning or evening?
Is there a breeze?
How intrusive is your bee work?
How long will you be working?
Age and weight of the comb?

These factors need some beekeeping wisdom to decode. When in doubt, it’s cool to stay out.

Time to Mush

Grab a piece of fresh comb and let the sun do its magic. Notice how it goes from firm to mushy? In early summer, it takes about 2 minutes. That’s when the comb loses its strength and turns into a sweet, gooey mess.

Comb Age Matters

Now, try the same with an old, dark brood comb. Any differences?

Why Skip the Hot Hive Hustle?

A top bar hive is beekeeper-friendly, but it can be a bit tricky when it’s sizzling:

Easy to lose track of time.
No heavy lifting means no reminder to take a break.
No scattered hive parts to signal the end of the session.
No angry bees to speed things up.

So, the beekeeper keeps working, unaware that the comb away from the cooling zone is turning into mush. Suddenly, a once-sturdy comb collapses, leaving a sticky mess. Time to clean up, but the heat continues, and more combs follow suit. It’s a cycle that’s hard to break.

Or worse, the beekeeper closes the hive, thinking all is well. But it’s too late – cooling is disrupted, combs fail, and the hive faces drowning and suffocation.

The Beekeeper’s Pledge

Let’s pledge to embrace the heat, but respect the hive. When it’s too hot, it’s a hive holiday. Your bees will thank you for it. ✨

-Bee Cool, Beekeepers, D 🐝🤠