June gap
The June Gap refers to a phenomenon in which a shortage of forage available for bees occurs (typically in June) and has been observed in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Subsequent to the massive volume of pollen and nectar produced by trees and hedges in the spring, there is a reduction in the amount of nectar available to the bees due to long grasses and dandelions suppressing many wildflowers.[1] Before the herbaceous "summer rush" of July-through-September which reinstates the high level of nectar, the high hive populations brought around by trees in the spring struggle to produce honey and may lay fewer eggs. Beekeepers need to pay special attention to the levels of honey in the hive as well as the level of water the bees use during this gap.[2] Annual weather patterns can cause this event to occur later or earlier.
Some plants which can help provide nectar in this gap are Cotoneaster, the closely related Pyracantha, common garden [herbs], and perennial garden plants.[3]
See also
- Beekeeping in Ireland
- Beekeeping in the United Kingdom
- Forage (honeybee)
- Honeydew source
- List of honey plants
- Pollen source
References
- ^ "The "june gap" - a tough time for bees". Rosybee. 17 June 2011.
- ^ "Bees now into the "June Gap"". Impartial Reporter. 25 June 2009.
- ^ "Has the June gap come early?". Mrs Apis Mellifera. 7 June 2014.
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