As summer begins to tip toward autumn, August becomes a make-or-break month for honey bees in the Pacific Northwest. While the warm days and golden sunsets might make us feel like summer will last forever, for bees, this is the final push—a crucial window to store enough nectar and pollen to survive the long, wet, and often unpredictable PNW winter.

The August Rush: Storing for Survival

By August, much of the vibrant spring and early-summer bloom is behind us. Blackberry, clover, and fireweed blossoms are fading, and the bees turn their attention to late-season sources: goldenrod, knapweed, aster, and other hardy wildflowers. These blooms are like nature’s last call—rich in nectar but fleeting in availability.

In this period, every warm, dry day matters. Foraging bees work sunup to sundown to gather resources, while worker bees in the hive tirelessly convert nectar into honey and pack pollen into cells. Their goal is simple but urgent: fill every available comb with enough food to get through the months when flowers are scarce and flying conditions are poor.

Why August Matters More Than You Think

• Winter Bees Are Born Now — The bees emerging in late summer will live longer than their spring and summer sisters. They’re physiologically built to survive the winter months, but they need high-quality nutrition now to be strong and resilient.
• Nectar Flow Is Limited — Unlike the bounty of May and June, August nectar sources are more scattered. Bees must fly farther and work harder to gather enough.
• Hive Health Is on the Line — Strong hives now are better able to fend off pests like hornets/wasps and diseases that can spread quickly in the fall.

What Beekeepers Do in August

This is the month we monitor hives more closely than ever:

• Checking honey stores and supplementing if natural forage is insufficient.
• Managing pests before populations spike.
• Ensuring queens are healthy and laying well.
• Minimizing hive stress so the colony enters fall in top condition.

For a beekeeper, August isn’t just about honey harvest—it’s about hive survival. The steps we take now determine whether our bees will emerge strong in spring or struggle through the winter.

How You Can Help Bees This Month

• Plant Late-Blooming Flowers — Goldenrod, sedum, sunflowers, and coneflowers give bees vital August forage.
• Provide Fresh Water — Bees need water for cooling the hive and making food for larvae.
• Avoid Pesticides — Especially during bloom periods, when pollinators are actively foraging.

The Honey Connection

When you enjoy a spoonful of raw Pacific Northwest honey in August, you’re tasting the story of this season—a blend of wildflower nectars that represent the bees’ last big effort before fall. Every jar captures the flavors of our region’s final blooms, from the goldenrod fields to the wild asters lining country roads.