It’s easy to panic when you open a hive and don’t see a queen. Maybe the brood looks light, or you’ve got antsy bees, or things just feel off. The first instinct for a lot of beekeepers is to assume the queen is gone and jump straight to requeening. However, making that move too early … Read more
Requeening is one of those tasks in beekeeping that you don’t do often, but when you do, it’s a big deal. It’s not just about replacing a queen, it’s about correcting problems, improving genetics, and setting the colony up for success through the next season. Whether your queen has aged out, gone missing, or just … Read more
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
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
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