As a beginner beekeeper it’s difficult to know where to start. Beekeeping is probably one of the most exciting and difficult hobbies there are. It doesn’t have to be difficult because I’m going to give you get a head start to give you an advantage over inexperience! One of the first decisions is whether to…
Tag: beekeeping
The Swarm of Queens
I have caught many swarms in my days as a beekeeper but I have never encountered anything like I did today! Generally when I catch a swarm, I do it in one of two ways: 1) I either shake the bees into a deep hive body, fill it with frames, stick a cover on it…
Top Bar Beekeeping: why it’s better
You’re reading this post for one of two reasons: 1) You’re interested in beekeeping and want to know WHY I believe Top Bar Beekeeping is better before getting started Or B) You completely disagree and are trying to find a hole in my argument. Well, I welcome the both of you! Let me begin by…
What to look for in a good pair of bee gloves
When I’m doing a hive inspection or just poking my nose in a beehive for the fun of it, I prefer to go gloveless. But there are times when the bees just will not allow for that. It is during these times that you must have a quality pair of gloves that bees cannot sting…
Elements of a Good beekeeping Smoker
A good Smoker is worth its weight in beeswax. When you find a good smoker, it could last you for years. When your smoker falls apart with minimal use, it sucks. I’m going to show you what to look for in a good quality smoker to save you time, money and a few bee stings….
Top 3 beekeeping Veils: what to get & what to avoid
When it comes to protective clothing for beekeepers, any veil is better than no veil at all. Especially when inspecting one of your ‘hot’ hives, if you know what I mean. But not all veils are created equal. I’m going to show you the top three with all their pros and cons so that you…
Emergency Spring feeding: Best way to feed bees Quickly
Spring has sprung and the rain won’t let the bees come out to play. Have you ever done your first hive inspection in the spring, only to discover that your bees needed food; like yesterday? Beehives can get dangerously low on food stores and possibly starve when the weather does not allow for early spring…
To save the Bees: we must first save the Wildflowers
In 1940, the Protection Act passed for the Bald and Golden Eagles. These skyward scavengers suffered from DDT exposure which affected their eggs in a very bad way. Although they are no longer on the endangered species list, they will be forever protected. What will it take to protect the honey bee? I believe we…