Advice and Information

The Africanized honeybee, also known as the Africanized bee or killer bee, is a hybrid species of honeybee that results from the crossbreeding of the East African lowland honeybee with various European honeybee subspecies. The hybridization process occurred in the mid-20th century, when researchers imported African honeybees to Brazil in an attempt to improve local …

Buzz Off: Identifying Africanized Bees with These Key Markers Read More »

A dead beehive is one of the worst things that can happen to a beekeeper, especially when they did everything that they thought possible to take care of this hive and ensure its survival. Unfortunately, even with the best will in the world entire beehives can be wiped out, particularly over the winter months. If …

Unraveling the Mystery of Bee Mortality: Understanding Why Your Bees are Dying Read More »

We all know that beekeeping is both an enjoyable and rewarding activity, but it does come with challenges. One of these challenges is ensuring that the bees are comfortable in their hive, especially during hot weather. Bees regulate their temperature by fanning their wings and gathering water, but sometimes the heat can become too much …

Are Your Bees Buzzing with Heat? How to Spot and Prevent Overheating Read More »

One of the biggest worries facing newbie beekeepers, particularly in the first year, is whether the hive will survive the winter. This is a legitimate concern. Indeed, it is something that is quite common, especially if the colony is not strong enough to survive extreme fluctuations in temperature. As a newbie then, a question you …

Checking Bee Colony Survival in Winter: A Simple Guide Read More »

As with any livestock, bee colonies require careful management to ensure their survival, particularly during the harsh winter months. In colder climates, beekeepers must take extra precautions to prepare their hives for the winter, including providing sufficient food stores and protecting the bees from the elements. While every winter presents its own unique challenges, there …

Can My Bees Make it Through Winter? The Beekeeper’s Dilemma Read More »

As a beekeeper, the loss of a colony due to absconding can be a devastating blow to your business (if you run it as one) and your passion for beekeeping. Absconding occurs when a colony of bees decides to abandon their hive and move to a new location. This is often due to factors such …

Mastering the Art of Swarm Management: Preventing Absconding Bees Read More »

Beekeeping’s popularity has grown as more people become interested in sustainability and the benefits of natural products like honey. However, starting a beekeeping operation can be costly with expenses ranging from equipment like hives and tools to the bees themselves. But what if there was a way to obtain bees without having to purchase them? …

Taking Care of Your Newly Captured Bee Swarm: Crucial Tips for Beekeeping Success Read More »

Beekeeping is a complex and rewarding activity that requires a great deal of knowledge and skill. It involves not only the care and management of bees but also an understanding of the various factors that can impact their health and productivity. Unfortunately, even with the best care and attention, a beekeeper may discover that their …

Where Have All the Bees Gone? Understanding Why Your Beehive is Empty and How to Fix It! Read More »

Beekeeping is increasingly being taken up as an amateur hobby. This can be attributed to many factors, ranging from increased awareness of the importance of bees within the ecosystem to the ready availability of the bees and beginner equipment accessible for purchase. Some may catch a local swarm, some may purchase a number of bees …

Healthy Hobby: Unveiling the 8 Health Benefits of Beekeeping for Body and Mind Read More »

Beekeeping has reached a peak of broad popularity these days, with setting up a small apiary now a frequently enjoyed pastime. Yet where things really matter, it hasn’t been going too well for the honeybee in America. In 1947 there were six million managed hives in the United States, a number which by 2021 had …

Money for Honey: A Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Beekeeping Grants Read More »