September Beekeeping in North Carolina: A ReynWicks on Little Creek Farm Guide

At ReynWicks on Little Creek Farm, September always feels like a season of transition. The days shorten, the air cools just a bit, and our honeybees begin shifting their focus from summer nectar flows to winter survival. For us as beekeepers, this month is about preparing hives for the colder months ahead, which is essential when preparing hives for winter, while celebrating the last blooms of the season.

Hive Check: Strength for the Season Ahead

Early September is the time to open each hive and look closely. At Little Creek Farm, we check for:

A strong, active queen
Consistent brood patterns
Plenty of healthy worker bees
Sufficient honey stores

In North Carolina, colonies often need 60–80 pounds of honey to thrive through winter. If our hives feel light, we help them along with sugar syrup so they’ll have the reserves they need when nectar runs low. Preparing hives for winter involves ensuring adequate honey stores before the cold months.

Feeding and Care

By mid-September, natural nectar sources fade. To keep our colonies thriving, we prepare a 2:1 sugar syrup mixture and sometimes add pollen patties. This support helps the bees build strength and ensures the next generation enters winter healthy and ready. Well-nourished bees now mean a vibrant hive come spring—something every beekeeper treasures. Preparing hives for winter also involves nourishing bees to face the colder months prepared.

Keeping Pests in Check

Here at Little Creek Farm, we know September also brings challenges. Varroa mites peak this month, so testing and treatment are essential. We also stay alert for small hive beetles, reducing empty space in hives and using traps when needed. Strong colonies are always the best defense when preparing hives for winter.

Preparing for Winter

Toward the end of September, we shift our focus to winterizing. We reduce entrances to keep robbers out, tilt hives forward for moisture control, and remove empty supers so the bees only defend the space they truly need. These simple steps create a snug, efficient home for the cold months ahead and are vital in preparing hives for winter.

A Golden Finish

One of our favorite sights in September is the goldenrod and aster blooms along our pastures and creek. These late flowers give the bees one last nectar flow and often add a bold flavor to the honey. It’s nature’s way of closing out the season with richness and color.

Final Thoughts from ReynWicks

Beekeeping in September in North Carolina is all about balance and preparation. By feeding when needed, managing pests, and winterizing thoughtfully, we give our bees the best chance to flourish. At ReynWicks on Little Creek Farm, we see this season as a reminder: when you nurture your hives with care now, they reward you with strength and sweetness in the spring.

So as we head into fall, we’ll keep working alongside our bees—learning from them, caring for them, and sharing their gifts with you through our honey, beeswax candles, and herbal teas.

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