July is one of the most exciting — and demanding — months in the beekeeping calendar. As the height of summer arrives, the hive is buzzing with activity, and for us at Swabees, it's a time of wonder, hard work, and the sweet reward of the season's finest honey.
The Colony at Its Peak
By July, a healthy hive can be home to up to 60,000 bees. The queen is laying at her maximum rate — up to 2,000 eggs per day — and every worker bee has a role to play. Foragers are making dozens of trips daily, visiting flowers, herbs, and wildflowers in full bloom. It's nature's production line at its most impressive.
The Nectar Flow
Summer's nectar flow is in full swing. Bees are drawing in nectar from lime trees, clover, lavender, and wildflowers — all of which lend their unique character to the honey being produced right now. This is the honey that will eventually find its way into our products, carrying with it the essence of a British summer.
Swarm Season Winds Down
Swarming — the colony's natural way of reproducing — peaks in May and June, but July can still bring late swarms. Our beekeepers stay vigilant, carrying out regular hive inspections to ensure the colony remains settled, healthy, and productive.
Wax Production
July is also prime time for beeswax production. Worker bees secrete wax to build and cap honeycomb cells. This precious natural wax is at the heart of everything we make at Swabees — from our nourishing lotion bars and balms to our hand-poured candles. Every product carries a little piece of the hive.
What We're Watching For
- Varroa mite levels — summer is a critical time to monitor and manage this common hive pest
- Space in the hive — a crowded hive can trigger swarming, so we add supers (extra boxes) to give the colony room to grow
- Water sources — bees need water to cool the hive in warm weather, so we ensure fresh water is always nearby
A Note on the Flowers
If you have a garden, July is a wonderful time to support your local bees. Lavender, borage, phacelia, and sunflowers are all brilliant bee-friendly plants in bloom right now. Every flower visited is a small act of partnership between us and nature.
At Swabees, we believe that understanding the hive is the first step to appreciating what goes into every product we make. Thank you for being part of our story.
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