Beekeeping For Newbees 
Swarm season hits fast and doesn’t wait. One minute you’re scrolling your phone, the next you’re getting a call that there’s a cluster of bees hanging from a swing set, a tree limb, or worse, buried deep in someone’s outdoor grill. The last thing you want to do is scramble around trying to find what … Read more
Lighting a bee smoker seems simple—until you’re standing in your bee yard with a handful of smoldering burlap and a hive full of increasingly annoyed honey bees. If you’ve ever struggled to keep your smoker going long enough to finish an inspection, you’re not alone. In this post, I’ll walk you through how I light … Read more
Beekeeping can be a fulfilling and enjoyable hobby, but it comes with its own set of challenges and risks. Understanding key safety measures is essential to protect yourself and ensure a positive experience while working with bees. Taking the time to learn these precautions will not only help you avoid potential hazards but also foster … Read more
Starting your beekeeping journey with package bees is always exciting. These buzzing boxes contain thousands of workers and a mated queen ready to get to work building out their new home. Whether you’re setting up your very first hive or expanding your apiary, proper installation helps the colony get off to a strong start. In … Read more
Harvesting honey can be a rewarding experience for both beginners and seasoned beekeepers alike. Knowing the essential steps to effectively harvest honey ensures that you can gather this sweet product safely and efficiently. By following a structured approach, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor while maintaining the health of your bee colonies. Equipped … Read more
Every spring I get flooded with messages like:“I had a few hives that didn’t make it through the winter, but I’ve got some frames of honey left. Can I use them in a new hive this year?” The short answer is yes, in most cases you can, but there are a few important things to consider … Read more
An effective, sustained-release method that doesn’t require opening the hive repeatedly. If you’re looking for a low-intervention way to manage varroa mites, oxalic acid pads may be the most convenient option. These pads deliver a continuous, controlled release of oxalic acid inside the hive—targeting mites over several weeks without disturbing the bees. This technique, developed … Read more
Image Credit: Randy Oliver, ScientificBeekeeping.com The oxalic acid dribble method is a simple, low-cost way to treat honey bee colonies for varroa mites—especially during cooler months or when brood levels are low. It’s widely used across Europe and the U.S., and when applied correctly, it’s a safe and effective tool in your varroa management plan. This article … Read more
Oxalic acid vaporization (OAV) is one of the most popular and effective methods for treating varroa mites—especially in broodless periods like late fall or early winter. It’s favored by hobbyists and commercial beekeepers alike because it’s cost-effective, fast, and gentle on the bees when used properly. This post walks you through when to use OAV, … Read more
Once you’ve confirmed varroa mites are present in your hive, the next step is figuring out how to manage them. There’s no single silver bullet, but there are several treatment options available—each with pros, cons, and considerations. This post will give you a quick overview of a few of the more common varroa mite treatments … Read more