Beekeeping Basics

In beekeeping, a dearth refers to a period of scarcity or absence of nectar and pollen, often due to seasonal changes, extreme weather, or habitat loss, which can lead to reduced food availability for bees, impacting their health and hive productivity. As you will know, your bees live on nectar taken from plants, which they […]

As a beekeeper, your primary role is to create and maintain an environment where your bees can thrive. Success in beekeeping comes from mastering a range of techniques, each crucial to the health of your colony and the productivity of your hive. In this guide, I will walk you through the essential techniques every beekeeper

Beekeeping is an honorable occupation practiced the world over. Some people practice beekeeping as a primary occupation while others do it part time. Still others keep bees as a hobby. It is all good. The world needs more beekeepers in order to sustain bee populations that have suffered significantly in the last 20 years. However,

As a beekeeper, it is crucial to understand how to treat honey bee stings. Bee stings can be painful and even dangerous for some individuals, but with the right knowledge and preparation, you can protect yourself and others from harm. Key Takeaways Honey Bee Stings: Causes and Symptoms The world of honey bees is truly

For the most part, the majority of people understand the importance of bees instinctively. Honey bees are part of nature that we innately know which, if lost, would leave an ecological hole unable to be filled by any other species. But many people want to know concrete reasons above and beyond what instinct tells them.

Beekeeping methods vary widely, encompassing traditional practices like natural hive construction using hollow logs or straw baskets, to modern techniques involving the use of movable-frame hives, which facilitate inspection and honey extraction without harming the bees. Key methods include the management of the bee colony’s health through regular inspections, disease prevention through hygienic practices, and

How many brood boxes should a hive have? Well, the optimal number of brood boxes varies based on factors such as colony size, local climate, and beekeeper’s honey production goals, but typically, beekeepers start with one or two brood boxes. I myself started with just one back in the day. Adjustments are made based on

Although bees can and do obviously sting, unlike many other types of stinging insects, they only do so defensively. Nevertheless, almost every beekeeper on the planet will have been stung a few times by the time he or she hangs up the smoker (and I am certainly testament to that!). It is almost inevitable. In

We all know that beekeeping is both an enjoyable and rewarding activity, but it does come with challenges. One of these challenges is ensuring that the bees are comfortable in their hive, especially during hot weather. Bees regulate their temperature by fanning their wings and gathering water, but sometimes the heat can become too much