A bee feeder holds sugar syrup where your colony can reach it. You need one when a new colony is building comb, when nectar runs short, and in fall to top up winter stores. For most beekeepers the best bee feeder is a hive top feeder: it holds a lot of syrup, sits inside the…
If someone has trouble breathing, swelling of the face, lips or throat, hives spreading over the body, dizziness or fainting after a sting, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately. Use their epinephrine auto-injector if they have one. This is anaphylaxis, a medical emergency. For an ordinary bee sting, with pain, redness and swelling…
A bee smoker is a small metal firebox with a bellows. A few puffs of cool smoke at the entrance and under the lid mask the bees’ alarm pheromone and make them far calmer while you inspect. The best bee smoker for most beekeepers is a stainless steel smoker about 11–12 in tall with a…
Choosing the best bee-proof hummingbird feeder can be challenging. Bees often invade hummingbird feeders, disrupting the peaceful garden ambiance. Bee-proof hummingbird feeders are essential for anyone who loves watching hummingbirds flutter around their garden. These feeders keep bees away and ensure that hummingbirds get uninterrupted access to nectar. In this blog post, we will explore…
Beehives need a queen to ensure reproduction and the continuation of the colony. The queen bee is responsible for laying eggs and maintaining the population of worker bees in the hive. Having a queen is essential for the survival and success of the hive. In the intricate world of a beehive, every role plays a…
To determine how many beehives you need, consider the scale of your beekeeping operation, available space, and your objectives. Then, calculate approximately one beehive for every 10,000 to 20,000 square feet within your apiary. Generally, a single hive can adequately pollinate a small garden or orchard, while larger operations may require multiple hives for improved…
Selling honey involves understanding the market demand and creating a strong marketing strategy to attract customers. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore all the important aspects of selling honey, including sourcing high-quality honey, packaging and labeling, pricing strategies, and effective sales channels to maximize your profits. So, let’s dive in and learn all you…
Beehive ventilation is crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of bees by ensuring proper airflow, temperature regulation, and prevention of moisture build-up, which can lead to the growth of bacteria and fungi. A well-ventilated beehive is essential for the overall well-being of the colony. Adequate airflow within the hive helps to dissipate excess heat…
Requeening should be considered when an existing queen is aging or underperforming, to maintain a productive hive. The decision is usually made after observing reduced brood production, increased aggression, or inconsistent laying patterns. When a honeybee colony starts to exhibit signs of decline, requeening becomes necessary to ensure the overall health and vitality of the…
Yes, bees may return after bee removal if the source of attraction is not eliminated or the colony is not completely removed. When bees are found in unwanted areas such as homes or gardens, it becomes necessary to remove them for safety reasons. However, the process of bee removal does not guarantee that they will…