 Narrow-leaf mountain mint and Early goldenrod in full bloom in our wildflower meadow. Photo by Eric Malcolm, June 29, 2026. | Time in the Yard: 56 minutes Avg Time per Colony: 28 minutes Time in the Barn: 10 minutes Total Colonies: 67 Temperature (°F): Hi: 100° Low: 67° Avg: 80.6° Total Precipitation: 0.85” |
Actions:
In the barn: Loaded wood block stands in truck and got geared up.
In the apiary: Added stands to the last 2 colonies without stands to raise them off of the ground to improve ventilation. We also collected and relocated the black widow spider that was discovered last week, along with many of her spiderlings. Reviewed our Varroa results per yard and made an Oxalic Acid Vaporization treatment schedule to treat yards with colonies near or over the 3 mites per 100 bees (3%) threshold.
Observations:
The heat index this week peaked at 111° and we decided to hold off on doing any intensive field work. The native wildflower plot is continuing to show nice results with Narrow-leaf mountain mint (Pycnanthemum tenuifolium) and Early goldenrod (Salidago juncea) both in full bloom!
Reflections:
If bee work can not wait for cooler temperatures, be sure to hydrate and consider working bees early in the morning, before the heat of the day. Heat related illness can be cause for serious concern. While we love spiders and a healthy ecosystem, this week served as another reminder to always check under the telescoping lids before grabbing them!
Things in bloom:
Russian Sage, Lavender, Dutch Clover, Sweet Yellow Clover, White Sweetclover, Elderberry, Golden Raintree, Chicory, Common Cinquefoil, Oakleaf Hydrangea, Common Yarrow, Magnolia, Purple Crown Vetch, Daisy Fleabane, Mullein, Orange Day-lily, Mimosa tree, Narrowleaf Mountain Mint, Clustered Mountain Mint, Virginia Mountain Mint, Queen Anne’s Lace, Crepe Myrtle, Staghorn Sumac, Winged Sumac, St. John’s Wort, American Pokeweed, Blue Vervain, Early Goldenrod, Black-eyed Susan, Milkweed, Amur Honeysuckle, Leatherleaf Viburnum, Dogbane, Glossy Abelia
In the barn: Loaded wood block stands in truck and got geared up.
In the apiary: Added stands to the last 2 colonies without stands to raise them off of the ground to improve ventilation. We also collected and relocated the black widow spider that was discovered last week, along with many of her spiderlings. Reviewed our Varroa results per yard and made an Oxalic Acid Vaporization treatment schedule to treat yards with colonies near or over the 3 mites per 100 bees (3%) threshold.
Observations:
The heat index this week peaked at 111° and we decided to hold off on doing any intensive field work. The native wildflower plot is continuing to show nice results with Narrow-leaf mountain mint (Pycnanthemum tenuifolium) and Early goldenrod (Salidago juncea) both in full bloom!
Reflections:
If bee work can not wait for cooler temperatures, be sure to hydrate and consider working bees early in the morning, before the heat of the day. Heat related illness can be cause for serious concern. While we love spiders and a healthy ecosystem, this week served as another reminder to always check under the telescoping lids before grabbing them!
Things in bloom:
Russian Sage, Lavender, Dutch Clover, Sweet Yellow Clover, White Sweetclover, Elderberry, Golden Raintree, Chicory, Common Cinquefoil, Oakleaf Hydrangea, Common Yarrow, Magnolia, Purple Crown Vetch, Daisy Fleabane, Mullein, Orange Day-lily, Mimosa tree, Narrowleaf Mountain Mint, Clustered Mountain Mint, Virginia Mountain Mint, Queen Anne’s Lace, Crepe Myrtle, Staghorn Sumac, Winged Sumac, St. John’s Wort, American Pokeweed, Blue Vervain, Early Goldenrod, Black-eyed Susan, Milkweed, Amur Honeysuckle, Leatherleaf Viburnum, Dogbane, Glossy Abelia
A large black widow spider and spiderlings in a plastic bag for transport to the UMD Insect Zoo. Photo by Eric Malcolm, June 29, 2026.