During the June Gap, bees can become tired and stressed due to the temporary scarcity of nectar and pollen. This shortage forces them to spend more time foraging further distances with less reward, which can lead to:
🚨 Signs of Tired Bees During the June Gap:
- Sluggish Behavior: Bees may appear slow or rest more often on flowers or the hive entrance.
- Reduced Foraging: Fewer bees may be seen leaving and entering the hive.
- Clustered Bees: You may notice bees resting on the ground or in shaded areas, recovering.
- Declining Brood Production: The queen may lay fewer eggs if the colony cannot maintain sufficient food stores.
🌼 How to Help Tired Bees:
- Provide Emergency Feeding:
- Offer a 1:1 sugar-water solution in a feeder near the hive entrance.
- Protein patties (pollen substitutes) can help maintain brood rearing.
- Create a Bee Rest Stop:
- Place shallow dishes of water with floating pebbles or leaves for bees to safely land and drink.
- Add a small sugar-water feeder in the garden to give foraging bees an energy boost.
- Boost Local Forage:
- Plant quick-blooming flowers like cosmos, borage, and thyme that can fill the June Gap.
- Avoid using pesticides or herbicides.
- If you keep bees, Monitor Hive Health:
- Regularly check your hives for signs of pests or disease.
- Ensure the colony has a healthy queen and enough workers.
How to Make Sugar Water for Bees
Happy bees, happy beauty!
Marion x