Varroa mites have been the single greatest threat to modern beekeeping since their arrival in the United States in the 1980s. These tiny, blood-feeding parasites have devastated colonies across the country. In recent years, winter colony losses have hovered between 30 and 40 percent nationally, and in some regions, the numbers are worse. Some surveys … Read more
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
As you know, beekeeping is not cheap. If you haven’t already, check out our article on how expensive beekeeping can be. Once you’ve committed to the hobby and started buying equipment, the costs add up quickly, hive boxes, frames, feeders, lids, bottom boards, and more. Now that you’ve made this investment, you need a plan to … Read more
One of the most frustrating things in beekeeping is watching half of your strongest colony leave. You’ve nurtured them all year, made it through winter, and now just as the hive is hitting its stride, they decide to take off. Swarming is a natural part of colony reproduction, but as a beekeeper, it’s something I … Read more
Swarming can rob you of half a colony right at the peak of spring buildup. If you’ve ever opened a hive and found queen cells while the original queen is still inside, you know you’re on borrowed time. One strategy that many beekeepers use to interrupt swarm behavior without actually splitting the colony is the … 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
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
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
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