Understanding Bee Development: Life Cycle and Timelines of the Queen, Worker, and Drone

Honey bee larvae in various stages of development surrounded by adult worker bees on white wax comb

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

Bee Venom Exposure: Understanding the Risks for Beekeepers and Their Families

Close-up of a honey bee stinging human skin, with the stinger embedded and the bee pulling away

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

Understanding Bee Roles and Behavior

Honey bee collecting pollen from a yellow flower with visible pollen baskets on its legs

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

10 Essential Beekeeping Safety Tips for Beginners and Experienced Beekeepers

Beekeeper wearing a veil and gloves inspecting a honeycomb frame from a hive during a calm afternoon

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

Packages vs Nucs – Which One Is Right for Me?

A screened wooden package of honey bees used for transporting approximately 3 pounds of bees and a caged queen.

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

Beekeeping Gear Checklist: Everything You Actually Need (And a Few Extras You Might Want)

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

How Much Does Beekeeping Really Cost? (Spoiler: More Than You Think) 💸

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

Top 10 Things to Consider Before Getting Into Beekeeping

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

Top 10 Beekeeping Supplies I Actually Use (And Why You Should Too)

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