Gordon Black hive beetles are a major nuisance for beekeepers. These little pests, known scientifically as \textit{Aethina tumida}, are part of the Nitidulidae family. While the name might sound a bit fancy, knowing them is crucial for anyone wanting to keep a healthy hive. Their appearance can be quite distinct – they’re small, oval-shaped, and can … Read more
Top Bar Hives are a beehive design that’s been gaining popularity among beekeepers looking for a simpler, more natural approach to keeping bees. This hive design is centuries old, originating from traditional beekeeping methods in places like Greece and Africa. It’s characterized by its horizontal layout and the absence of frames, which differentiates it from … Read more
Bee nucs, short for bee nucleus colonies, are like starter packs for beekeepers. Imagine a mini version of a full bee colony packed with all the essentials. Typically, a nuc includes a queen bee, worker bees, a few frames of brood, honey, and pollen. It’s essentially a small, functioning hive that has everything it needs … Read more
Drone cells play a crucial role in the overall function and health of a beehive. These cells house the males of the honeybee colony, known simply as drones. Recognizing these specialized cells is pretty straightforward—they’re larger and more prominent than worker cells, with a more rounded cap when sealed. This makes them easy to spot … Read more
The Ancient Tradition of Telling The Bees Origin and History: Exploring geographical and cultural beginnings. Significance: Understanding the importance of bees in different cultures. Ritual Practice: How beekeepers inform the bees about events. Symbolism: What the act represents in the broader cultural context. Modern Interpretation: How the tradition is practiced today and its relevance. Personal … Read more
Delving into the Enchanting World of ‘Heart of The HIVE’: A Comprehensive Review An Introduction to Hilary Kearney and ‘Heart of The HIVE’ Overview of the Book’s Narrative and Themes Kearney’s Expertise and Deep Connection with Beekeeping Memorable Moments and Standout Passages Evaluating the Writing Style and Structure The Book’s Impact on Readers and Beekeeping … Read more
The Intricate Process of Bees Making Wax The Unique Role of Worker Bees in Wax Production The Biochemical Process of Wax Secretion How Bees Shape and Utilize Wax for the Hive The Importance of Wax in Hive Structure and Functionality Consequences of Wax Scarcity: Why Bees Depend on It The Symbiotic Relationship Between Bees and … Read more
When and How to Split Your Beehive: A Guide for Beekeepers What is Hive Splitting and Why is it Done? Optimal Times of the Year to Split a Hive Signs Your Hive is Ready to be Split Steps to Successfully Split a Hive Post-Split Care and Monitoring Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them Expert … Read more
The Destructive Wax Moth: Identifying the Threat and Implementing Solutions Understanding Wax Moths: Greater Wax Moth (Galleria mellonella) and Lesser Wax Moth (Achroia grisella) Impact on Beekeeping: Targeting Weak or Stressed Colonies and Stored Combs Destructive Behavior: Tunneling through Wax, Pollen, and Wooden Frames Signs of Infestation: How to Detect Wax Moth Presence Prevention Strategies: … Read more
Lessons in bee photography by Nicole Young One of my favorite subjects to photograph in the spring and summertime is bees on flowers. It’s fun watching the little worker bees buzz around, collecting pollen. They have a lot of character and make great photographic subjects. In this article, I put together some tips and techniques … Read more
