September Field Notes

IN THE HIVE:
-In September, the queen will slow down egg laying and the brood area will diminish.
-This month signals the end of the second swarm season.
-Varroa mite population, if left untreated, peaks around August/September.
-Nectar resources become less abundant. 
-Resin/propolis collection continues.
-The bees can become more defensive at this time of year as they protect the stores in their hive and they protect against robbing. They also do their robbing of other hives.
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INSPECTION & NUTRITION:
-Continue to perform thorough colony inspections this month, as it will be the last month until spring that they can be done. 
-Thorough inspections require the hive to be open longer periods of time, which can help other bees rob the hive. Don't rush the inspection but be efficient.
-Things to take note of this month are hive weights, number of bees and location of honey stores.
-Brood pattern may be more difficult to evaluate because of the drop off of egg laying this month.

PEST MANAGEMENT:
-Continue to monitor Varroa mites constantly. 3 mites per 100 bees is the signal for treatment. 
-Remove drone cone foundation for the rest of the year. 
-Look for signs of Nosema.
-Apply chemical mite control once supers have been removed.

COLONY POPULATION:
-If you have a weak colony that won't make it throught the winter, decide now whether or not to cull it or combine it with a stronger colony before winter comes. 
- Don't move anything around that will affect brood pattern this month as the bees are now rearing winter bees.

BEE YARD & ENVIRONMENT:
-Extract fall honey immediately to prevent small hive beetle infestation.
-Fall honey may need to be warmed in order to filter it as it will granulate more quickly than spring honey. 

BLOOMING NOW:
Goldenrod is still blooming abundantly, Sweetclovers, Asters, Thistles, Purple Loosestrife and others. Honey that is heavy with Goldenrod can have a distinct "smelly sock" odor, so don't be alarmed if you smell this. 

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