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One of the biggest questions when getting into beekeeping is how do I get bees for my hive? Bees are delicate creatures, yet it is possible to purchase them through the mail. When looking to buy bees to start your hive, it is advisable to find one that is as close to your location as possible […]

Hey, we noticed that this year one company has switched to using plastic queen cages inside plastic package boxes for their bee deliveries. A few people were unsure about how to use them, so I figured I would post a few pictures and explanations to avoid any bee genocides. This is an (older) JZ-BZ queen

As with anything in beekeeping, there are several options when it comes to choosing a bee suit. The easiest way of choosing the most suitable bee suit is to try it out in your local beekeeper store. Trying it out enables you to test how comfortable it is and if it is the right size.

Preparing your hives for the new season After a long, cold winter spent huddled inside, everyone is looking forward to spring – bees included. For your hives, spring is a time of intense activity. Egg-laying, brood-raising, and nectar-gathering all start to ramp up after being almost non-existent in winter. Your job as beekeeper is to

We all know that bees live in organized colonies, which have nurses, guards, cleaners, and undertakers – beehives are better staffed than most NHS hospitals. We might not all be aware that they have two stomachs – one is for storing nectar (like a beer belly in the human male, one would guess). They have

Scientists have issued an appeal for samples of honey from across the north in a bid to better understand the factors which can alter honey yields and the size and health of honeybee populations. The Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) is seeking amateur and professional beekeepers to send samples for analysis in conducting the

Pollen patties usually contain no pollen but are designed to simulate real pollen. They can be purchased ready-to-use, can be made at home from a purchased mix or can be made at home from scratch using a variety of recipes. The thing to understand about pollen or pollen substitute is that it is used to

Honey bees are not picky about the color of their hives. As long as there is no paint on the inside, your bees will be fine. It’s more important to please the beekeeper. Here are some considerations: In the past, most hives were white. White is especially good in the warmer climates where a light

Sometimes you need to find your queen, and sometimes you only need to know that she is alive and well. The presence of eggs means she was there sometime during the last three days. The presence of larvae (uncapped brood) means she was there between three and nine days ago, depending on how large the

To feed or not to feed? That is always a question. Like anything else in beekeeping, there are many valuable thoughts on this. Here’s ours. A mild winter like we’ve had so far actually presents a challenge to the bees. Warmer temperatures mean more activity in the hive, and more activity means more food consumption