Archive Special: Working Bees in the Heat (288)

In this Honey Bee Obscura Archive Special, Jim Tew and Kim Flottum revisit an important topic that becomes increasingly relevant as summer progresses: working bees in the heat of summer.

As colonies reach peak population and honey supers become heavier, beekeeping becomes more physically demanding. Jim reflects on how beekeeping changes between the pleasant days of spring and the demanding conditions of midsummer, when heat, humidity, heavier equipment, and defensive colonies can turn routine inspections into challenging work.

Drawing on article research and discussions conducted with the late Ann Harman, Kim explains the physiological dangers associated with working bees in hot weather. The discussion covers heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, including warning signs that beekeepers should recognize before serious medical issues develop. Kim emphasizes that heat-related illness can affect beekeepers of any age and experience level.

The conversation explores practical strategies for reducing heat stress while working colonies, including scheduling inspections during cooler parts of the day, taking advantage of shade, staying hydrated before and during bee work, using modern ventilated veils, carrying water into the apiary, and recognizing when conditions require stopping work and returning another day.

Jim and Kim also discuss the importance of safety planning, particularly for beekeepers working alone. Topics include informing family members of bee yard locations, carrying communication devices, understanding emergency response considerations, and avoiding the temptation to push through fatigue simply to finish a task.

Although originally recorded years ago, the advice remains highly relevant for beekeepers facing summer temperatures, humidity, and physically demanding colony management tasks.

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Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com

We’d like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies.

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Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast.

Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

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