In July, beekeepers in Indiana should focus on maintaining the health and productivity of their hives during the peak of the summer. Here’s a checklist of tasks for July:

1. Monitor Honey Production: July is a peak month for honey production. Regularly check your hives to ensure the bees have enough space for storing honey. Add more supers if necessary to prevent overcrowding.

2. Swarm Prevention: Although swarming is more common in the spring, it can still occur in July if hives become too crowded. Monitor for signs of swarming and take steps to prevent it, such as adding more space or splitting hives.

3. Check for Queen Cells: Inspect your hives for queen cells, which could indicate that the bees are preparing to swarm or that the current queen is failing. Remove unwanted queen cells to maintain colony stability.

4. Control Varroa Mites: Continue monitoring for Varroa mites. July is a crucial time to manage mite levels before they become problematic later in the season. Consider using integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to keep mite levels in check.

5. Ensure Adequate Ventilation: The hot and humid weather in July can stress bees. Ensure your hives have adequate ventilation to prevent overheating. You can prop open the lid slightly or use screened bottom boards to improve airflow.

6. Provide Water Sources: Bees need water to cool the hive and maintain humidity levels. Ensure there are accessible water sources near your hives, such as a shallow dish with pebbles or a birdbath.

7. Inspect for Pests and Diseases: Keep an eye out for pests like small hive beetles and signs of diseases. Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent colony losses.

8. Maintain Hive Equipment: Continue to check and maintain your hive equipment. Repair or replace damaged components to ensure the hives remain in good condition.

9. Watch for Nectar Flow Changes: As the nectar flow can vary, especially toward the end of July, monitor the availability of forage for your bees. If the nectar flow slows down, consider supplemental feeding to support the colony.

10. Prepare for the Late Summer Honey Harvest: If you plan to harvest honey in August, start preparing by organizing your equipment and planning the extraction process.

By staying on top of these tasks in July, beekeepers in Indiana can ensure their hives remain healthy and productive through the summer and into the fall.