Feeding Tips to Keep Bees Healthy in the Late Summer

As the golden days of summer begin to fade, beekeepers must turn their attention to preparing their hives for the cooler months ahead. Late summer is a critical time for maintaining hive health, and providing proper nutrition can make the difference between a thriving colony and one that struggles through fall and winter. In this guide, we’ll cover effective feeding techniques, best practices for late summer hive inspections, and the importance of wearing full-body beekeeping suits during this crucial time.

Why Late Summer Feeding Matters

During late summer, natural nectar sources begin to dwindle. With fewer flowers in bloom, bees may struggle to find enough food. This shortage can lead to weakened colonies that are less capable of defending against pests, diseases, or robbing from other hives. Supplemental feeding becomes essential to support colony strength and ensure bees have enough stores for winter.

Feeding helps bees:

• Rebuild depleted honey reserves

• Support brood rearing as the queen lays winter bees

• Maintain adequate nutrition for overall colony health

To accomplish this, beekeepers must use proper feeding strategies while also ensuring their own protection during hive inspections.

Suit Up First: The Importance of Full-Body Beekeeping Suits

Late summer inspections and feedings often agitate bees, especially during dearth conditions. When nectar is scarce, colonies may become defensive or even aggressive. This is where full-body beekeeping suits come into play.

Full-body beekeeping suits provide essential protection, covering you from head to toe with breathable, sting-resistant material. These suits are especially important when handling open feeders or working near hives in warmer temperatures, when bees are more irritable.

Whether you're using entrance feeders or installing a robbing screen, always gear up with beekeeping safety gear to avoid stings and stay confident during hive management.

Choosing the Right Gear: Beekeeper Suits for Summer

Not all bee suits are created equal. When working in high temperatures, ventilated beekeeping suits are the best choice. These suits are designed to keep you cool with multiple layers of breathable mesh while still offering full protection.

Look for features such as:

• Lightweight material to prevent overheating

• Elastic wrists and ankles for secure sealing

• Reinforced zippers and veils for durability

Best bee suits for hot weather should allow for long hours of inspection and feeding without discomfort. Choosing a suit that balances safety with ventilation helps ensure both beekeeper and bees remain calm throughout the process.

Feeding Strategies for Late Summer

With protection in place, it’s time to focus on bee feeding techniques that support hive health.

1. Sugar Syrup Feeding

Feeding bees sugar syrup is a common method during nectar dearth. The most popular late summer ratio is 2:1 (sugar to water by weight). This thicker syrup mimics natural nectar and encourages the bees to store it as honey.

How to feed:

• Use top feeders, frame feeders, or entrance feeders

• Always place feeders inside the hive or reduce entrances to prevent robbing

• Refill feeders consistently until sufficient stores are built

2. Pollen Substitutes and Patties

Brood production requires protein, which bees get from pollen. If natural pollen is low, consider offering pollen patties or dry pollen substitutes.

• Place patties directly on top bars or inside feeder trays

• Monitor for mold or pests, and replace if needed

• Avoid overfeeding to reduce pest attraction

3. Maintain Clean Feeding Equipment

Cleanliness is key. Always sanitize feeders between uses to prevent disease spread. This is particularly critical during warm weather when bacteria can grow rapidly.

Hive Inspections in Summer: What to Look For

Regular hive inspections ensure that feeding efforts are effective and the colony remains healthy. While wearing your full-body beekeeping suit, inspect the following:

• Brood Pattern: Look for consistent, healthy brood to confirm the queen is active.

• Honey Stores: Bees should be storing syrup near the brood nest for winter access.

• Queen Presence: Spot the queen or fresh eggs to verify she is alive and laying.

• Signs of Robbing: Watch for torn comb, fighting bees, or dead bees near the entrance.

Using proper beekeeping safety gear allows you to carry out these inspections thoroughly and calmly.

Preventing Robbing and Wasp Invasion

Feeding in late summer comes with its risks. Robber bees and wasps are attracted to sugar syrup, and can devastate a hive if not managed properly.

To minimize risks:

• Reduce entrance size with reducers

• Use robbing screens on vulnerable colonies

• Feed during cooler times of the day (early morning or dusk)

• Clean up spills or drips immediately

Keeping feeding stations clean and contained will help avoid chaos and protect the integrity of your hive.

Combining Smart Feeding with Smart Gear

Successful late summer feeding isn’t just about what you give your bees—it’s about how you give it. Wearing the right protective gear, such as full-body beekeeping suits and durable beekeeping gloves, ensures you can perform inspections and install feeders confidently, even under stressful conditions.

Meanwhile, understanding bee nutrition and health during this period helps prepare your colonies for the upcoming cold. Whether it's using sugar syrup, offering pollen patties, or managing robbing behavior, your attentiveness during this time will pay off with strong, winter-ready bees.

Final Thoughts

Late summer is your last window to help bees build up before fall. With fewer nectar sources available, supplemental feeding becomes critical. Pairing proper feeding techniques with the best bee suits for hot weather ensures you and your bees stay safe, cool, and productive.

From hive inspections to syrup feedings, your commitment as a beekeeper shines through in these moments. Don’t skimp on safety — invest in lightweight beekeeping suits and other beekeeping safety gear to make your job easier and your bees' lives better.