Written by: Emily Joswiak • June 3, 2022• Environment

Tips for Protecting Your Bees From Hot Weather

As the temperatures rise in Florida, it’s time to think of ways to protect your bees and their hives from extreme heat. Use these tips to protect your bees.

The summertime is near, which means extreme temperatures and heatwaves due to climate change during our hottest months. These temperatures can put your bee colonies at risk, especially if temperatures reach 100°F for a prolonged period.

Help your bees cool down by using these tips for protecting your bees from hot weather.

Provide Proper Shade

One of the easiest ways to cool your bees down during the hotter months is to provide shade! Set up an umbrella, beehive visor, or shade tent over the hive when there is hot weather in your local forecast. Your bees will be buzzing with happiness when you help them cool down.

Remove Metal Roofs

Many beekeepers will use metal roofs because they look stylish and durable, but metal roofs attract heat and can damage your colony on days with high temperatures or heatwaves. On those scorching days, cover your metal roof with a white storage bin lid, a white sheet, or, even better, replace it with a wooden roof.

Add an Insulation Box

A great way to protect your bees from hot weather is to provide insulation. Beekeepers will provide insulation during the winter to keep the bees nice and warm during the winter months. However, it’s also helpful for keeping the colonies cool during the hotter months! Insulation under the roof will help maintain a steady temperature.

Have an Adequate Water Source

Water is essential for cooling down the hive. Worker bees collect water in their honey guts and take it back to the hives, where they use it for evaporative cooling. It’s important to provide a water source that your bees like because they are picky in choosing them.

On hot days, you will see your bees congregating around their beloved water source. If your bees are not happily drinking from your water source, you will need to try something else. Try to establish a source before experiencing hotter weather.

Provide Ventilation for the Bees

Typically, you shouldn’t add ventilation to your hives because venting can lead to outsider bees robbing honey from your colony. However, ventilation can save your colony from overheating and melting in extreme heat. The best way to provide ventilation is by creating an upper entrance so the heat will rise.

You should always do what’s best for your bees! Use these tips for protecting your bees from hot weather to provide the best environment for them as the temperatures rise.

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