In August, beekeepers in Indiana should focus on preparing their colonies for the upcoming fall and winter months. Here’s a checklist of tasks:

1. Honey Harvest: August is a good time to harvest honey, especially if the honey flow has slowed down. Be sure to leave enough honey for the bees to sustain themselves through winter.

2. Varroa Mite Management: Monitor and treat for Varroa mites. These parasites can weaken colonies significantly as they prepare for winter. August is critical for treatments, as mite populations typically peak.

3. Assess Hive Strength: Evaluate the strength of your colonies. Weak colonies may need to be combined with stronger ones to improve their chances of survival through winter.

4. Inspect for Queen Health: Ensure that your queen is healthy and laying eggs. A strong, productive queen is vital for a colony’s success in winter. If necessary, consider requeening.

5. Pest and Disease Control: Check for signs of diseases like American foulbrood or pests like small hive beetles. Early detection and management are key to preventing serious issues.

6. Prepare for Winter Feeding: Start planning your winter feeding strategy. If your bees haven’t stored enough honey, you may need to feed them sugar syrup in the coming weeks.

7. Ventilation and Hive Positioning: Ensure that your hives have proper ventilation and are positioned to protect them from strong winds and cold weather.

8. Maintain Equipment: Repair or replace any damaged equipment. This is also a good time to clean and store any unused supers or frames.

By taking these steps in August, you’ll help ensure your bees are in good condition to survive the winter and thrive next spring.