When the Nectar Flow Ends: Preparing Your Hives for the Summer Dearth

As beekeepers, we all look forward to the rush of a good nectar flow—watching the bees come and go with full pollen baskets, hearing the hive hum with productivity, and smelling the sweet scent of curing honey in the air. But eventually, the flow slows, and the dearth begins.

So, how can you tell when the nectar flow has ended?

Signs include a noticeable drop in forager activity, less incoming pollen, and a sharp change in colony temperament—bees may seem agitated or more defensive. Inside the hive, you might find unfinished honey cells or fewer new nectar deposits. If you’re using a hive scale, the hive’s weight may plateau or even drop.

This “dearth” is the hot, dry period—typically mid- to late-summer in Virginia—when floral resources become scarce. Without proactive management, colonies can become stressed, leading to poor brood development, dwindling populations, or even starvation.

Tips to keep your bees happy and healthy during the dearth:

• Feed light syrup (1:1) if colonies are light on stores, especially new splits or weaker hives.

• Provide a clean water source nearby—bees need it for hydration and hive cooling.

• Reduce entrances to make hives easier to defend.

• Remove extra supers so bees can focus on guarding essential spaces.

Protecting against robbing

This is the season when stronger colonies may try to steal resources from weaker ones. Signs include erratic flying, fighting at the entrance, or bees sneaking in from the back or bottom boards. Use robbing screens, keep feeding discreet, and avoid opening too many hives at once.

Bell & Bee Tips

• Place a shallow pan of water with pebbles or corks near the apiary—simple and effective hydration.

• Consider planting late-blooming forage like mountain mint or goldenrod nearby.

• Do quick hive checks during robbing season—open one hive at a time and close it fast.

• If you’re unsure whether to feed, do a quick frame check—look for at least 2–3 frames of solid honey stores.

Keep calm and keep checking—your bees are depending on you.