Summer Hive Maintenance and Nectar Flow Preparation
This article is part of our complete guide to Starting Beekeeping in South Africa.
Summer is a key production season for most South African beekeepers.
Colonies are large, nectar is flowing, and hive space and ventilation become critical.
Good summer management helps avoid swarming, ensures healthy brood development, and maximises honey harvest potential.
Main Objectives in Summer
- Keep hives well-ventilated and supplied with water
- Prevent overcrowding and swarming
- Monitor pests and queen health
- Add supers during nectar flow
Regional Variation
- KZN, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo: Peak nectar flow from late November to January
- Western Cape: Late summer flows in eucalyptus and bluegum areas
- Free State and Eastern Cape: Wildflower and sunflower flows
Summer Hive Maintenance Tasks
1. Inspect for Space and Swarming
- Open hives every 7–10 days
- Check brood frames for swarm cells
- Split hives if signs of crowding are found
- Add supers with drawn comb if available
2. Add Ventilation
- Prop open hive lids or use ventilated roofs
- Reduce the number of sealed entrances on hot days
- Place hives in partial shade where possible
3. Water Supply
- Provide fresh water close to hives (shallow trays with stones)
- Bees may abandon hives if water is too far away
4. Queen Monitoring
- Replace queens showing poor laying patterns
- Mark and record queen age for rotation
5. Pests and Disease Checks
- Watch for varroa, small hive beetle and wax moth
- Use oil traps or check bottom boards for signs of beetle infestation
- Remove frames with chalkbrood or wax damage
6. Extract and Manage Supers
- Remove capped frames and replace with empties
- Store extracted honey in cool, sealed containers
- Keep extraction area free of bees to avoid robbing
Safety Tips
- Work early mornings or late afternoons to avoid peak heat
- Stay hydrated and rest in shade during long inspections
- Watch for snakes in bushy areas near hives
Final Thoughts
Summer is the most demanding and rewarding season in beekeeping.
With regular checks, good ventilation, and timely honey harvesting, you’ll keep colonies strong, queens productive, and your honey buckets full.