Ask the Expert
Can I Make Mason Bee Homes out of Bamboo?
I want to make mason bee homes. I plan to try drilling a wood block, but also try bamboo. Since moisture is an issue with bamboo, has anyone tried drying the bamboo out in a low temp oven? Do they have suggestions about how long and at what temperature to dry the bamboo?
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How Many Frames of Capped Brood is Optimum in a Double Deep During Summer?
Tyler from Montana writes: How many frames of capped brood is the optimum in a double deep during summer?
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How Many Days After Requeening Should I See Eggs?
After eight days, you should see eggs by now, even if it took the workers two or three days to release her. A queenless colony can go about 21 days before the workers’ ovaries begin to develop.
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What Pollinator Would Be Good for a Botanical Garden?
We are looking for a pollinator for a huge indoor botanical garden. We will need to find a pollinator that will be able to pollinate plants 365 days per year and will not be dangerous for the tourists.
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What Does a Caught Swarm Need to Thrive?
Because the workers are already racing against time, it is highly unlikely the swarm will leave. Once you see combs being built, odds are they will stay.
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The Poisoning of Bees on Sunflower Crops
Do you have any info regarding the poisoning of bees on sunflower crops?
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How Often Should I Test for Varroa Mites?
It’s hard to recommend a schedule because the rate of reinfestation will vary depending on the number of hives—both managed and feral.
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When Should I Perform the First Mite Check and Treatment?
A key time for getting a jump on varroa is when the colony is broodless, since any mites present will be in a phoretic state rather than hiding inside capped brood.
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Why Do My Colonies Keep Swarming?
I have three hives started last year and all three swarmed in the last week. Now, they are swarming again — the same colonies. Why do the same colonies keep swarming every few days?
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Will a Swarm Survive Cool, Rainy Weather?
Bees swarmed yesterday from our hive. They are in one of our fruit trees. Today it has been raining all afternoon with temps in the high 40s to 50. Is the swarm able to survive in this weather?
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