June

Kick off your summer beekeeping calendar by watching your colony grow.  Populations continue to explode and nectar flow is in high gear.  Give your bees the best chances for success by adding brood space and honey supers when needed, monitor for signs of swarming,  and manage or split as necessary.  It is recommended that you check your mite load and use appropriate treaments as needed. 

July

Busy colonies may have a significant honey store by now which may allow a harvest for the beekeeper.  Ensure you aren't depleting the resources of the hive, and hopefully enjoy the fruits of your (and the bees!) labor.  Swarm tendencies are slowing, as well as some food resources.   Look for signs of robbing and take protective measures if needed.  Continue to monitor mite loads and treat as necessary.

August

Robbing risks are high as nectar flow decreases.  Consider reducing entrances and remove any attactants such as external feeders or open feeding.   August begins the wind down of summer and the start of winter preparations.  Ensure a thriving population by controlling varroa counts and other external threats.  Eggs laid in August become your winter bees, you want them strong and healthy. 

September

Winter preparations are here.  Food stores are important as foraging fades away.   Feed colonies as needed using thick 2:1 syrup that they can more access if honey is low.   Now is imperative that mite populations are under control.  Take time to check hives and take any action needed.  Consider combining weaker hives and balancing resources,  evaluate damaged equipment for repair or replacement.