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

How to Harvest Honey: 5 Essential Steps for Beekeepers

Beekeeper slicing capped honeycomb from a wooden frame onto a plate, surrounded by homemade pastries and honeycomb servings on a floral tablecloth.

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

How to Inspect a Hive Like a Pro (Without Overdoing It!)

Beekeeper inspecting a brood frame from a Langstroth hive during a warm, sunny day in the field.

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

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