Swarm Prevention: Keeping Your Bees From Leaving

A teardrop-shaped cluster of honey bees swarming on a tree branch with a soft green background, representing a natural swarm event.

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

What Should I Do with Honey Frames from a Dead Hive?

Beekeeper holding a frame of capped honey with bees present

Every spring I get flooded with messages like:“I had a few hives that didn’t make it through the winter, but I’ve got some frames of honey left. Can I use them in a new hive this year?” The short answer is yes, in most cases you can, but there are a few important things to consider … 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