Beekeeping For Newbees 
Varroa mites have been the single greatest threat to modern beekeeping since their arrival in the United States in the 1980s. These tiny, blood-feeding parasites have devastated colonies across the country. In recent years, winter colony losses have hovered between 30 and 40 percent nationally, and in some regions, the numbers are worse. Some surveys … Read more
If you’re not taking good notes, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Whether you’re managing two hives in the backyard or twenty in a full-size apiary, the decisions you make as a beekeeper are only as good as the information you remember. And let’s be honest, no one remembers everything. That’s why taking notes matters. … Read more
When new beekeepers are getting started, one of the most confusing and debated decisions is which hive type to use. There are several different designs on the market, and each comes with its own pros, cons, costs, and learning curves. While the Langstroth hive remains the most common in the United States, alternatives like the … Read more
One of the things that often gets overlooked by new beekeepers, and even some experienced ones, is the importance of understanding the life cycle of honey bees. I’m talking about how long it takes for a queen, worker, or drone to go from egg to emergence, and what happens in each phase along the way. … Read more
As beekeepers, we often focus on the joys and benefits of our craft like the honey harvests, the pollination perks, and the fascinating behavior of our buzzing companions. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge and understand the potential health risks associated with bee venom exposure, not just for ourselves but also for our families. The Hidden … Read more
As you know, beekeeping is not cheap. If you haven’t already, check out our article on how expensive beekeeping can be. Once you’ve committed to the hobby and started buying equipment, the costs add up quickly, hive boxes, frames, feeders, lids, bottom boards, and more. Now that you’ve made this investment, you need a plan to … Read more
Moving honey bees is one of the more intimidating tasks a beekeeper might face, especially early on. With a little preparation and a solid understanding of bee behavior, relocating hives becomes a smooth, manageable process that will feel routine as you gain experience. Whether you’re picking up a package from the post office, moving a … Read more
If you are new to beekeeping, you have probably already realized that opening a hive can feel like stepping into a different world. Bees are not just buzzing insects flying around aimlessly; they are communicating, coordinating, and reacting to everything you do. If you want to be successful in the bee yard, understanding their behavior … Read more
When people talk about preparing for their first hive inspection, they usually mention reading books, watching videos, or asking questions in a local bee club. All of that helps, but nothing replaces actually putting your hands on your equipment and walking through the steps. That’s where mock hive inspections come in. These are dry runs—inspections without bees—that … Read more
One of the most frustrating things in beekeeping is watching half of your strongest colony leave. You’ve nurtured them all year, made it through winter, and now just as the hive is hitting its stride, they decide to take off. Swarming is a natural part of colony reproduction, but as a beekeeper, it’s something I … Read more