Like many hobbies, beekeepers have unique terminology when talking about honey bee activities. The term “bee cleansing flights” is one of those expressions. It might seem pretty bemusing to newbies. So what are these cleansing flights, when do they occur, and how do you know when you are observing them? Let’s find out… Honey Bee…
Bee colonies are less active in winter, reduce in size, and become more vulnerable. Is it a good idea to move your beehives to a new location during winter, or will this move in the winter season compromise the bees? We will answer these winter beekeeping questions so you know your best course of action…
Beekeeping is an exciting activity because you not only become an expert on bees but also gain knowledge in woodworking and gardening! Planting bee-friendly plants in your garden is a way to give your bees local resources so they don’t have to forage far away. But what flowers do you choose? For example, I love…
Beekeeping is an activity that ebbs and flows with the seasons. So beekeepers must understand what happens in the colony at different times throughout the year. For example, the onset of autumn marks a slowing down of activity inside the hive. And in the fall, you need to know how to manage bees to prepare…
Bees have excellent color vision, allowing them to distinguish many colors in visible and ultraviolet light wavelengths. They use sight to find the best flowers for forage, but they have learned to associate different colors with threats or non-threatening items. This especially applies to big objects (you know… like humans!) So are there any particular…
Overwintering bees can be a nerve-racking time for beekeepers. We want to keep them alive, well-fed, and healthy so that the colony survives the winter and is ready for work in the upcoming spring. But if your bees are struggling, you’ll probably need to feed them when they reach the coldest part of the year….
Many new beekeepers looking inside the hive may be unable to distinguish between capped honey and capped brood. After all… Once it’s covered in wax, how do you tell the difference? In this article, I’ll teach you how to identify and differentiate the two. This will give you a better idea of your bees’ health…
During a routine inspection, new beekeepers may be alarmed when finding many dead bees outside the hive. In some cases, this is a cause for concern and requires further investigation. But in other instances, it’s a part of the natural life cycle of the colony. However, certain clues about the deaths will help you figure…
Most beekeepers try to keep swarming under control. After all… there’s a chance you might lose a good proportion of your bees if you can’t lure the swarm back into a new hive. That said, a swarm is a positive sign from your honey bees that they are happy, healthy, and growing. And sometimes you…
Several pests can cause trouble for your honey bees, but two of the most common are small hive beetles and wax moths. Both are a real nuisance. And they can be tricky to identify if you come across them for the first time. But each has distinct characteristics that will help you tell them apart….
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