When and How to Requeen a Hive

A close-up of a queen honey bee surrounded by workers on a brood frame, used to demonstrate queen presence during a hive requeening inspection.

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

How to Light a Bee Smoker (and Keep It Lit)

A beekeeper holding a stainless steel smoker releasing white smoke, preparing to begin a hive inspection on a sunny day.

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

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

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