As we transition into June, the hills of Richmond, Ohio, and the surrounding Jefferson County area are entering what beekeepers call the “Main Honey Flow.” This is the most intense foraging period of the year. With the long daylight hours, our local honey bees are working overtime to collect nectar from white clovers, black locust trees, and the first of the summer wildflowers. If you notice a sudden surge in bee activity in your clover patches or gardens, you are witnessing the “summer rush”—a time when a single healthy hive can bring in several pounds of nectar in a single day to store for the winter ahead.
While the bees are focused on foraging, swarm season is still very much in effect. As hives reach their peak population in the early summer heat, they can become overcrowded. You may still see swarms—those large, hanging clusters of bees—on tree branches or fence posts. If you encounter one, remember that they are simply in the middle of a “moving day” and are generally very calm as they protect their queen. Please continue to avoid spraying them; instead, contact a local beekeeper to help relocate the colony to a safe new home where they can continue their vital work.
Staying safe during your summer yard work is all about awareness. As you fire up the mower or trimmer for those fast-growing June lawns, take a quick walk-through first. Check for “ground-nesting” bees or colonies that may have tucked themselves into overgrown shrubs or low-hanging branches. To avoid accidental stings, try to do your heavy mowing in the early morning or late evening when bee activity is lower. Also, consider leaving a small “wild” patch of clover or dandelions in a corner of your yard; it’s a simple way to provide a localized “grocery store” for pollinators so they stay focused on their work and out of your way.
As the summer heat kicks in, bees also need a place to cool off. You might see them “bearding”—hanging in large clumps outside their hive entrance—to regulate the internal temperature. Just like the bees, our community gets much busier this time of year with graduation parties, backyard weddings, and local festivals like the Dean Martin Car Cruise or the Holy Trinity Greek Food Festival. When your “hive” gets crowded with guests, the last thing you want to worry about is sanitation.
At TTT HoneyPots, we understand the fast pace of a Jefferson County summer. Whether you are hosting a neighborhood graduation bash or managing a busy construction site in the summer sun, we provide the reliable, locally owned portable restroom service you need to keep things running smoothly. We pride ourselves on prompt deliveries and a level of maintenance that would make a worker bee proud. Don’t get stuck in a “phone tree” with a national broker—deal directly with your neighbors and give us a buzz at 740-512-4495 for all your summer rental and RV pumping needs.
