September brings that familiar urge – the need to crack open every hive and check on our bees before winter. But what if I told you that the most important thing you can do this month is... resist that urge?
New research is challenging everything we thought we knew about fall inspections. The science is clear: temperature stability matters more than inspection frequency. And with varroa mites developing resistance to treatments faster than ever, maintaining hive energy efficiency is essential for survival.
When Researchers Shocked the Beekeeping World
This summer, a groundbreaking study from Egyptian researchers tracked 21 colonies through their most vulnerable season. The results? Temperature-stable hives produced three times more honey than temperature-disrupted ones.
Here's what happens every time you open a hive:
Internal temperature drops immediately
Bees abandon foraging to generate heat
Recovery takes 30-60 minutes minimum
Energy meant for honey storage gets burned for recovery
One recent study found that colonies tracked through multiple seasons showed temperature consistency predicted colony survival better than inspection frequency. The stable colonies produced honey areas of 826 cm² while disrupted hives managed only 284 cm².
But here's where it gets interesting: amitraz-resistant varroa mites are spreading across the US. USDA researchers found that over 60% of commercial beekeeping colonies were lost since summer 2024, with spring 2025 studies attributing abnormally high hive losses to the spread of amitraz-resistant Varroa mites. When mites are already stressing colonies, every unnecessary temperature disruption compounds the problem.
The Temperature-First Approach
Smart beekeepers are adopting research-backed inspection guidelines:
Above 64°F (18°C): Full inspections are safe
41-64°F (5-18°C): Quick visual checks only
Below 41°F (5°C): External observation only
One Primal Bee customer reported: "My bees are thriving like never before! They're stronger and more resilient against Varroa mites. The difference is very visible – fewer mites, healthier colonies, and a lot less worrying."
The thermodynamic principle is simple: energy conserved is energy available for defense. When colonies maintain stable internal temperatures, they can dedicate more resources to immune function, mite grooming behaviors, and building winter stores.
We're looking for an experienced beekeeper to join our team as a Community Support Manager. This hourly position involves managing our Facebook community, answering member questions, and helping fellow beekeepers succeed with their operations.
What we're looking for:
Documented beekeeping experience (3+ years preferred)
Passion for helping other beekeepers solve problems
Comfort with social media and online community management
Ability to provide thoughtful, helpful responses to technical questions
What you'll do:
Monitor and moderate our Facebook community
Answer member questions about hive management, seasonal challenges, and troubleshooting
Share educational content and facilitate discussions
Help maintain a supportive, knowledge-sharing environment
This remote position offers flexible hours and competitive hourly pay. Perfect for someone who enjoys the teaching and mentoring aspects of beekeeping and wants to turn that passion into part-time income.
Interested? Email us at [email protected] with your beekeeping background and why you'd be great at helping our community thrive.
"The one thing I wish I'd known before my first winter was _______"
Reply with your answer—we'll share the most common responses in our next issue and address them with practical solutions.
🐝 Plot twist: While commercial operations lose 60% of their colonies, efficient hive management and mite-resistant strategies are becoming the difference between survival and collapse.
🏥 Rehabilitation through beekeeping: Massachusetts correctional facility launches pilot program teaching incarcerated individuals beekeeping skills—40,000 bees are already producing honey for rehabilitation and community connection.
💥 From hobby to survival strategy: How some beekeepers are letting bees develop natural resistance by foregoing treatments and breeding stronger colonies through selective pressure.
🎥 Expert guidance on demand: Michigan State University Extension offers monthly beekeeping office hours webinars through September—submit your toughest seasonal management questions to university experts.
♻️ Environmental wake-up call: New research using silicone wristbands reveals pesticide contamination extends far beyond crop fields into pollinator habitats.
Until Next Time
September teaches us that sometimes the best intervention is no intervention at all. Your colonies are working harder than ever to prepare for winter - building stores, raising winter bees, and fine-tuning their internal environment for survival.
The urge to open hives and "check on things" is natural, especially as the season winds down. But remember: every unnecessary inspection costs your bees precious energy they need for winter preparation. Trust the science. Trust your external observations. And trust that stable temperatures create stronger colonies.
Next month, we'll dive into October's unique challenges - the final feeding decisions, equipment prep for harsh weather, and how to read your colonies' readiness without disrupting their work. We'll also share reader responses about the biggest beekeeping myths and explore why some misconceptions persist despite mounting evidence.
See you in the next hive check,
The Primal Bee Team
P.S. - Still thinking about that community management position? We'd love to hear from beekeepers who want to help others succeed. Drop us a line at [email protected].