Beekeeping For Newbees 
Sticky boards, also sometimes referred to as IPM boards, are one of the simplest and most effective tools for monitoring varroa mite levels in your hive. They’re inexpensive, non-invasive, and can give you valuable insight into whether or not it’s time to treat. What Is a Sticky Board? A sticky board is usually a piece of … Read more
The varroa mite is more than just a parasite. It’s a disease vector that weakens your bees’ immune systems and spreads viral infections throughout the hive. Understanding the most common diseases associated with varroa is a critical part of managing hive health. If you’re seeing colony decline—even if mite levels seem low—it’s important to consider … Read more
The varroa mite (Varroa destructor) is one of the most destructive threats to honey bee colonies in the world. These tiny, parasitic mites attach themselves to both adult bees and developing brood, feeding on their fat bodies and transmitting a variety of deadly viruses. If you’re getting into beekeeping, understanding varroa mites is not optional. … Read more
Hive inspections are one of the most important, and often misunderstood, parts of beekeeping. Done right, they give you a window into the health and status of your colony. Done wrong, they can cause stress, damage, or just be a waste of time. This post will walk you through exactly what you need to know … Read more
If you’re getting into beekeeping, you’re going to need bees—and that means making a choice early on: should you order a package or a nuc? Both options will get you started, but they’re not the same. The choice depends on your goals, your budget, and most importantly, what’s available in your area. What Is a … Read more
Starting beekeeping can feel overwhelming when it comes to gear. This checklist covers the essentials you actually need to get started, plus a few extras that are nice to have once you’re more comfortable in the hive. Everything here is based on what works in real beekeeping, not just what looks good online. Protective Gear … Read more
When I first decided to get into beekeeping, I knew I might have to spend a few hundred dollars. What I didn’t know was that I’d need to take out a second mortgage and sell a kidney to sustain my beekeeping habit. Okay, maybe it’s not that bad, but beekeeping is a lot more expensive than … Read more
So you’re thinking about becoming a beekeeper? That’s awesome, and I truly mean that. Beekeeping is one of the most rewarding, humbling, and fascinating hobbies (or side hustles) out there. But before you take the plunge, there are a few things you should seriously think through. In this post, I’ll walk you through the top … Read more
Let’s be honest: the internet is full of beekeeping gear recommendations from people who’ve never opened a hive. This list is different. I’ve been keeping bees for almost 15 years, and every item below is something I personally own and actually use season after season. These tools aren’t just helpful—they’re reliable, affordable, and tested in … Read more