As paradoxical as it may seem, discussing the risk of starvation in bee colonies with three full honey supers might sound contradictory. Yet, seasonal famine is a well-documented phenomenon that can occur depending on the timing and availability of floral resources, as well as the sequence of blooms in any given location. Even when hives appear heavy and well-stocked, bees can face critical shortages if the immediate environment does not provide accessible nectar and pollen at key moments.
Periods known as “summer gaps” or nectar dearths often arise when the main spring blooms have faded and the next significant nectar sources have yet to appear. Weather events such as prolonged rain, drought, or sudden temperature drops can further limit foraging opportunities, causing bees to consume their stores faster than they can replenish them. In these situations, the paradox becomes clear: honey may be abundant in the supers, but inaccessible or insufficient near the brood nest, where it is most needed. Field studies have confirmed that colonies can collapse from starvation in late spring or summer, even with frames of honey present elsewhere in the hive (Juan Molina., 2024. Brodschneider & Crailsheim, 2010; Genersch et al., 2010).
The nutritional quality and diversity of available forage also play a crucial role. Monocultures and environmental pressures can reduce pollen variety, weakening bee immunity and resilience. When bees lack access to diverse and high-quality pollen, their ability to rear healthy brood and withstand stress diminishes, making them more vulnerable during periods of scarcity (Di Pasquale et al., 2013). Recent research has shown that certain nutrients, such as specific sterols, are essential for optimal brood development and colony health, and that commercial supplements do not always meet these needs (Brodschneider & Crailsheim, 2010).
Beekeepers must therefore adopt a proactive and adaptive approach. Regular inspections are essential, not only to check the overall weight of the hive but also to assess the distribution of stores within the brood area. Early detection of light hives, empty frames near the brood, or the absence of a pollen-honey crown around the brood nest should prompt immediate action. Supplemental feeding with sugar syrup or protein patties is often necessary to bridge these forage gaps and support colony development (Brodschneider & Crailsheim, 2010). Providing a clean and accessible water source is equally important, especially during hot spells, to help bees process food and regulate hive temperature.
Understanding the local floral calendar and anticipating potential dearth periods can make a significant difference. Each apiary is unique, and the timing of nectar flows can vary widely depending on climate, landscape, and agricultural practices. Ignoring these variables can lead to significant colony losses, even in apparently prosperous hives (Genersch et al., 2010).
To minimize the risk of seasonal starvation, several practical measures can be implemented:
By staying attentive to these points and adapting management practices to the specific conditions of each season and location, beekeepers can greatly reduce the risk of seasonal starvation, ensuring healthy and productive colonies throughout the year.
In addition to addressing the risk of seasonal starvation, it is important to recognize that these periods of floral gaps present a strategic opportunity for varroa management. When brood rearing naturally slows due to a lack of forage, the colony’s brood cycle is disrupted, temporarily reducing the number of capped cells where Varroa destructor mites reproduce. This window is ideal for implementing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, whether through biotechnical methods—such as brood interruption, queen caging, or removal of drone brood—or through the judicious use of approved varroacides.
Applying treatments during these gaps can significantly enhance their effectiveness, as fewer mites are protected within capped brood, making the parasite population more vulnerable (Rosenkranz et al., 2010). Combining nutritional vigilance with timely varroa control not only supports colony health during challenging periods but also strengthens resilience ahead of the main honey flow or winter preparation.
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by Juan Molina 
by Antonio Pajuelo 
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