Top Mistakes That Harm Bees in Late Summer—And How to Avoid Them

Late summer can be deceptively calm in the beekeeping calendar. The blooms of spring are long gone, honey flows may have slowed, and the days are still long and warm. But underneath this surface lies a critical period for honeybee health. For new beekeepers especially, late summer is a time when a few key mistakes can lead to weakened colonies—or even hive losses come fall.

In this article, we’ll uncover the top mistakes that harm bees in late summer—and how to avoid them. We’ll also explore how using the best bee suits for beginners and proper gear can make a huge difference in ensuring safe, productive hive inspections.

1. Ignoring Hive Ventilation Needs in Hot Weather

One of the biggest late summer beekeeping mistakes is neglecting proper hive ventilation. As temperatures rise, so does the heat inside your hive. Without adequate airflow, colonies become stressed, which affects brood health, increases disease susceptibility, and slows down foraging activity.

✅ How to Avoid It:

• Use screened bottom boards and upper entrances to promote airflow.
• Avoid placing hives in full sun—partial shade during the hottest hours helps prevent overheating.
• Consider ventilated inner covers or placing a small spacer under the outer cover to let heat escape.

Remember: healthy bees work harder, and they need the right environment to thrive during hot months. If you’re wearing a thick, non-breathable suit, you might rush inspections—missing key signs of trouble. That’s why investing in beekeeping suits and beekeeping veils for hot weather is essential for both you and your bees.

2. Failing to Control Robbing Behavior

During nectar dearths—common in late summer—bees from stronger colonies may try to rob honey from weaker ones. This can quickly escalate into deadly fighting, causing queen loss and significant population decline. It also spreads diseases and pests across colonies.

✅ How to Avoid It:

• Keep entrance reducers in place to make it easier for bees to defend their hive.
• Install robbing screens, especially on weaker or smaller colonies.
• Avoid open feeding during dry months, and never leave honey or syrup exposed near your hives.

Preventing robbing in beehives is especially crucial for beginners who may not yet recognize the early signs. If you notice bees frantically flying around the entrance, fighting on landing boards, or bees that don’t look like your own, act quickly.

                               
3. Not Monitoring Mite Levels Closely

By late summer, Varroa mite populations often reach critical levels. Many beginner beekeepers mistakenly assume mite treatment is a spring or fall task, but August and early September are when these parasites can do the most long-term damage.

✅ How to Avoid It:

• Perform an alcohol wash or sugar roll test to monitor mite loads.
• Follow up with timely treatments—options include oxalic acid vaporization, formic acid pads, or thymol-based solutions.
• Rotate treatments annually to avoid resistance.

Unchecked mite infestations weaken bees, increase the spread of viruses, and reduce winter survival rates. Staying on top of mite monitoring is a vital part of late summer beekeeping tips.

4. Using the Wrong Protective Gear in the Heat

Here’s a mistake that affects both bees and beekeepers: wearing the wrong gear in hot weather. Beginners often buy bulky suits that feel safe—but in August heat, these suits can quickly become stifling. Overheated beekeepers rush through inspections, miss subtle problems, or skip hive checks altogether.

✅ How to Avoid It:

• Choose best bee suits for beginners that are made with ventilated mesh fabric.
• Look for suits with reinforced stitching, elastic cuffs, and full-body protection to keep you cool and safe.
• Lightweight gloves and breathable veils also help maintain comfort during longer inspections.

At Oz Armour, we recommend suits that combine safety with breathability—especially for first-time beekeepers who are still building confidence.

5. Overfeeding or Underfeeding Bees

Feeding mistakes can quietly undermine hive health. In late summer, some colonies may need supplemental feeding due to nectar dearths. Others may still be gathering resources and not need help at all.

Beginners often overfeed too early—or forget to feed entirely. This leads to a lack of space in the brood chamber or weak stores going into fall.

✅ How to Avoid It:

• Inspect regularly to gauge how much honey and pollen your bees have.
• Feed 2:1 sugar syrup in late summer only if bees are low on stores.
• Use internal feeders to reduce robbing risk.

Feeding should always be balanced. Too little, and bees won’t make it through winter. Too much, and they may backfill the brood nest—leaving no room for the queen to lay eggs.

6. Skipping Regular Hive Inspections

With summer winding down, some beekeepers begin reducing their inspections. This can be dangerous. August and September are crucial months for preparing for winter: checking population size, queen status, brood health, and food stores.

✅ How to Avoid It:

• Perform thorough inspections every 10–14 days in late summer.
• Look for consistent brood patterns, an active queen, and plenty of food.
• Watch for signs of disease or pests that need immediate attention.

Wearing comfortable, breathable gear makes it easier to perform consistent inspections without overheating. Don’t let the heat deter you—your bees need you most right now.

Bonus Tip: Not Planning Ahead for Winter

While this mistake isn’t visible immediately, late summer is when winter success begins. Failing to assess colony strength, treat for mites, or ensure adequate stores now can result in winter losses later.

✅ How to Avoid It:

• Combine weak colonies if necessary to ensure strong wintering hives.
• Make a checklist: mite treatment completed, stores topped up, queen confirmed, ventilation planned.
• Use mouse guards and insulation equipment early, before the first cold snap.

How the Best Bee Suits for Beginners Support Success

Many of these late summer mistakes come down to rushed or skipped inspections—often caused by discomfort. That's where having the right beekeeping suit makes a real difference.

What to Look for:

• Ventilated bee suits: Mesh layers keep you cool even on the hottest days.
• Full-body protection: Helps beginners stay confident around active bees.
• Durability and comfort: Suits that last through multiple seasons without compromising flexibility.

The best bee suits for beginners allow you to inspect thoroughly, stay calm around your bees, and handle problems before they grow. It’s a small investment with long-term benefits for both you and your colony.

Conclusion

Late summer is a season of transition for honeybee colonies. It’s a time when minor mistakes can have major consequences—but also when attentive, well-informed beekeepers can give their hives the best chance at thriving through winter.

By avoiding these common pitfalls—and by equipping yourself with breathable gear like the best bee suits for beginners—you’ll be ready to handle everything late summer throws your way. Your bees will thank you for it come spring.