With the supers extracted, autumn varroa treatments well underway, and thick 2:1 sugar syrup being taken down, apiary focus shifts entirely to winter survival. Foragers are working the final autumn blooms—such as ivy and late asters—while the queen steadily contracts her brood nest to rear long-lived winter bees.Read More
Found Swarm Cells in Your Hive? Here’s What to Do Next
Finding queen cells during a routine hive inspection can make any beekeeper’s heart skip a beat. However, before taking action, carefully inspect where the cells are located and what stage they are in. Read More
Keeping bees is an amazingly rewarding experience. Not only do we get our own supply of pure honey, but we are also responsible for nurturing these fascinating insects and helping local biodiversity thrive.
For your first few hive inspections, the process can feel a little nerve-wracking. You might worry about accidentally rolling bees or whether you’re reading the frames correctly. Rest assured, your confidence will grow quickly as you develop your hands-on skills and become familiar with your colony. Read More
Depending on where you are in the world, your apiary security needs will differ—but for most beekeepers, using a sturdy strap or heavy-duty cord is an absolute must. Read More
Proper hive maintenance should never be overlooked. Regularly treating the exterior wood significantly extends your hive’s longevity, shielding it from the harsh elements of sun, rain, and changing seasons. Read More
Gloves for the apiary are not a strict necessity, but if you are a newer beekeeper—or just prefer not to take hits to the hands—it is highly advisable to invest in a solid pair. Read more
A smoker is an essential tool for beekeeping. Here is how to use yours safely and effectively. Read More
Transferring your first nucleus to their new hive can certainly be a daunting task, removing the lid and seeing all those bees that you are now responsible for can make you pause for thought.
Here is exactly how to execute the transfer and avoid the messy mistakes I made on my first try. Read More