The planned blog for this week will be postponed so we can bring some information relevant to an immediate challenge in our region.  Currently, across the Maritimes we are experiencing drought-like conditions.  This is difficult for everyone, but we will discuss important considerations which relate directly to beekeepers. So, please read on for information to help keep honey bees healthy and beekeepers safe during this drought. Next week we will pick up with the scheduled blog on honey bee behaviour.

Beekeeping during a drought!

Warnings of fire bans and water restrictions bring attention to the current drought-like conditions in the Maritime region.  For beekeepers, this means additional vigilance when working our bees and increased focus on the overall health of the colonies.  It is important to be mindful of how to support honey bees during drought, while also practicing safe and responsible beekeeping. 

Currently every province in the Maritimes has a burn ban in effect. Nova Scotia has restricted travel and activities in the woods until October 15 or until conditions change¹. New Brunswick and PEI both have province-wide fire bans as well ^2,3. These restrictions must be considered by beekeepers working in high-risk areas and using smokers.

Figure 1: Provincial Fire Restrictions for the Maritime Region as of August 7^th 2025.

During periods of severe drought, using a traditional smoker can pose a significant fire risk, especially in dry conditions where fire bans are currently in effect. In response, products have been tested to try to find a flameless alternative to safely manage colonies when beekeeping. The Apisolis Vaporizer uses essential oil vapor to calm bees without flame. It is a rechargeable and non-toxic device that offers a safer option during fire bans. While it is a useful tool, it does not fully replace smoker’s effectiveness. Another option is Apimil ®, a water-diluted spray made from essential oils and saccharides. This product helps reduce the bee’s defensive behavior, especially if introducing a queen. It is applied directly onto the colony with a light mist. Another smoke alternative is to use a 1:1 sugar water spray. Spraying this mixture lightly on the bees and frames can distract them with grooming and feeding behavior, helping reduce aggression. Although these options are not perfect substitutes for smokers, they can help manage honey bees during times of high fire risk. For more details, check out our previous blog on Alternative Smokers .

Figure 2: Apisolis Vaporizer and Liquid for the Vaporizer (ATTTA ©, 2025)

During periods of drought both the quantity and quality of forage available to the bees decreases.  Nectar flow will be reduced, and the nutritional profile of pollen will change.  It is known that drought-stressed plants provide 10% less protein and 17% less carbohydrates to honey bees ⁴.  This can have a direct impact on honey bee survival and longevity.  The foraging range for both water and food will increase during drought conditions, also having an impact on the bees overall well being.  Guidance on how to manage bees during drought conditions is available in the ATTTA fact sheet: HOW DROUGHT CONDITIONS IN THE MARITIMES CAN IMPACT HONEY BEES. 

Beekeepers are encouraged, when inspecting their colonies to identify signs of drought.  This can be dry brood (see figure below) which is a strong indication of a lack of resources available to feed the larva.  Also, colonies will slow down or stop brood production during periods of dearth.  Worker bee will remove and cannibalize brood in extreme conditions.  Beekeepers must also monitor colonies for behavioural changes.  During periods of drought, with an increase in the risk of robbing, colonies may become defensive. 

Figure 3: A) Healthy honey bee larvae with plenty of jelly vs B) Dry larvae.

As drought conditions persist across the Maritimes, beekeepers must remain vigilant about fire safety and honey bee health. If dry conditions continue, be prepared to take proactive steps such as providing clean water sources, relocating hives to better forage and water access and feeding bees when necessary. Remember to stay alert, monitor your colonies closely, and support your bees as required until conditions improve!

Written by Kaitlyn Newton, ATTTA Seasonal Apiculturist 

Connecting with ATTTA Specialists

If you’d like to connect with ATTTA specialists or learn more about our program, you can:

visit our website at https://www.perennia.ca/portfolio-items/honey-bees/

Email attta@perennia.ca

References:
1.      Government of Nova Scotia. 2025. Burn Restrictions.  https://novascotia.ca/burnsafe/
2.      Government of New Brunswick. 2025. Fire Watch. https://www.gnb.ca/en/topic/laws-safety/emergency-preparedness-alerts/fire-watch.html
3.      Government of Prince Edward Island. 2025. Burning Restrictions. https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/feature/burning-restrictions/#/service/FireRestrictions/FireRestrictions
4.      Rankin, E., et al. 2020. Reduced water negatively impacts social bee survival and productivity via shifts in floral nutrition. Journal of Insect Science. 20(5). https://doi.org/10.1093/jisesa/ieaa114 

Review of the New Brunswick Beekeepers Association 2025 summer workshop.

Summertime in the Maritimes is the busiest season for beekeeping as well as many other activities.  Especially during July and August, farming and family activities stretch us thin as we take advantage of the brief period of warm weather.  So it is always good to see beekeepers attend workshops and other training events during the busy beekeeping season.  An example of a well attended event was seen this past weekend when the New Brunswick Beekeepers Association held their 2025 summer workshop.  As a review of the activities for those who were unable to attend and to highlight the important points, this weeks blog will summarize the 2025 NBBA summer workshop.

Review of the New Brunswick Beekeepers Association 2025 summer workshop.

This year's NBBA summer workshop was hosted by Chris Lockhart, current association president, at his honey extraction facility at Lower Mountain Road, Boundary Creek (just west of Moncton). The sunshine encouraged attendance and just short of 40 beekeepers participated. A good range of topics provided excellent information appropriate for all, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Beekeepers traveled from across the breadth of the province, arriving from as far away as Charlo and St John.

Paul Vautour Presenting at the NBBA 2025 summer workshop day

After a warm welcome from the NBBA executive, the first workshop was conducted by local beekeeper Paul Vautour.  Paul, a well respected and experienced beekeeper, provided some interesting information on honey bee biology generally and queen performance specifically.  He also gave a practical demonstration of the correct way to apply beeswax to foundation. 

With perfect beekeeping weather, Fletcher Colpitts moved everyone outside to assemble around a couple of hives and shared insights into colony examinations.  The practical demonstration provided participants with a deep understanding of what can be seen during a beehive inspection.  Fletcher also showed everyone his method of transporting honey bee colonies for wild blueberry pollination. 

Fletcher Colpitts working a hive as part of a workshop.

NBBA board member, Mitchell Schriver, generously shared his experience in handling and installing honey bee packages. The insights provided by Mitchell, encouraged other beekeepers, unfamiliar with packages, to attempt this with confidence. Even experienced beekeepers learned from Mitchell’s expertise and practical knowledge. One of the important points raised during this presentation was that packages of honey bees need to be monitored carefully and treated for pests and disease. Mitchel told the group how oxalic acid treatment, early after installation, is a highly effective way to manage Varroa mites.

Mitchell Schriver demonstrating how to install a package of honey bees.

The final presentation of the day was done by the ATTTA team represented by Dr. Andrew Byers, senior apiculturist, and Greg Dugas, seasonal apiculturist!  Two important pests were discussed: Varroa mite and wax moth.  The necessity of monitoring for Varroa mites was discussed with a demonstration of a couple of methods for this important activity. The advantages of the alcohol wash and sticky board methods were discussed and highlighted as good options. Varroa mite treatment was also a topic of discussion with two methods, Apivar strips and oxalic acid sublimation, highlighted.  The second topic, wax moth management, was of interest for the group and an overview of the biological control Certan® presented.  The ATTTA team has recently published a wax moth fact sheet, in English and French, which is available online.

Overall, this was an excellent event with great learning opportunities for beekeepers!  The industry and the region's beekeepers are continually benefitting from the support provided by the provincial beekeeping associations.  hanks to the NBBA for organizing this event and to all the enthusiastic participants for attending.

                                             Connecting with ATTTA Specialists

If you’d like to connect with ATTTA specialists or learn more about our program, you can:

visit our website at https://www.perennia.ca/portfolio-items/honey-bees/

Email attta@perennia.ca