Beekeeping Tips for January During colder weather, the Queen is surrounded by thousands of worker bees. This is considered the “Winter Cluster”. You should not disturb this cluster, only open the hive and work bees when the cluster is loose. Activity will be apparent on warmer days (45-50 degrees), this is when bees are taking

For some of us, this is our first winter as a beekeeper. Others, however, are old pros at beekeeping….. right? Whether this is your first winter or just one of many winters as a beekeeper, we are continually learning how to hone our craft of beekeeping. In December, the bees are in a tight cluster

These crisp mornings means we’re just beginning to enjoy all that fall has to offer. Beekeepers know that the cold weather means even less bee activity will send the honeybees back into cluster. As fall swings into full force here are some tips to help you and your bees make it safely through the upcoming

The Beekeeper’s Fall is a special time for human and bee alike.  The hot muggy days of the southern summer are almost at an end.  Most bee colonies have been at their largest population and are starting reduce in number.  As the “cluster” size diminishes the beekeeper will want to make sure that the colony

Our honeybees are off across the hills enjoying the last bit of nectar before winter.  The shortening daylight hours and the cool night temps are signaling the end of the harvest season for beekeepers everywhere.  Honeybees will not be able to collect nectar during the cold winter months even though they may fly out on

The weather is getting cooler and trees are just beginning to change to their brilliant fall colors. While you’re beginning to enjoy the fall season, it’s a great time for beekeepers to continue managing your hives to ensure they survive the upcoming winter. October Tips Continue to combine weaker colonies and make “double sure” all

Beekeepers have to move their bees sometimes to take advantage of an additional honey flow. Unfortunately sometimes they have to move bees because of Bears which could be prevented with the use of an electric or solar bear fence.This solar bear fence is a very good option. Moving bees can be a challenge and there’s

Beekeeping Tips for September Hive population continues to drop and Drones start to disappear. The Queen is laying  fewer eggs. Some or all colonies may need feeding. Some or all colonies may need Re-Queening. Pollen should only be fed dry in outside feeders or mixed in syrup. No patties should be fed due to increased

Allergy sufferers know this time of year all too well. It’s ragweed season. It’s also the time of year when goldenrod is blooming. And, honeybees love goldenrod! Ragweed and goldenrod look similar. However, ragweed creates airborne pollen that many people are allergic to, while goldenrod does not. Goldenrod is one of those plants that everyone

Varroa mites are a parasitic pest of honeybees and create a “world of woes” for beekeepers worldwide.  They developed in Indonesia –  where they only reproduced in drone brood and did little damage to the bee colony as a whole.  In other parts of the world, Varroa has had a devastating effect on Apis Mellifera (our European