The main activity honey-wise in Georgia at this time is the sourwood flow of the mountain regions. This important honey flow begins within the first two weeks of June and may last through July. Most beekeepers remove all spring honey before moving hives to the mountains or supering them up for sourwood. In other beekeeping activities around the state, there are occasional flows from palmetto and cotton. Pollination may draw some revenue, especially with cucurbit crops such as pumpkin. Hot, dry summers can be stressful on bees. The beekeeper can help by providing water in entrance feeders. If robbing gets started in an apiary it is important to tape shut all gaps and cracks that permit foreign bees to harass a colony. Fire ants may get particularly aggressive in drought conditions, and the beekeeper can respond with mound treatments with AmdroJ or similar fire ant baits. In areas with small hive beetles now is a good time to treat soil surrounding hives with GardStarJ insecticide.

Synopsis of Bee Management / UGA Honey Bee Program / UGA Entomology Department