Josh Vaisman, Author at Backyard Beekeeping

LIST: Common Beekeeping Terms You Should Know

January 18, 2022 · Josh Vaisman · Beekeeping 101

Here is a list of some of the common beekeeping terms used throughout the hobby. While this list isn’t exhaustive, it should at least help you sound knowledgeable at your bee club meetings.

Urban Beekeeping Benefits You and Your Neighbors

December 10, 2021 · Josh Vaisman · Beekeeping 101

The list of urban beekeeping benefits is extensive, so long as we approach it in a neighborly way. Being a courteous beekeeper in a city or suburb goes a long way.

Should I Leave Supers on For the Winter?

October 6, 2021 · Josh Vaisman · Ask the Expert, Hives & Equipment

Should I leave supers on for the winter?

Why Did My Newly Installed Bees Make a Queen Cell?

April 24, 2021 · Josh Vaisman · Ask the Expert, Health & Pests

Mary writes … Today was inspection day and I found what appears to be a queen cell … yikes!

Should I be Worried About my Walkaway Split?

May 19, 2020 · Josh Vaisman · Ask the Expert, Health & Pests

There are a couple of versions of a split (or divide) that simulate this. One is by using swarm cells in the split(s). The other, which it sounds like is what you did, we call a “walkaway split.” I just did one yesterday so I’ll explain how I did it.

How Do I Prepare a Dead Hive for New Bees?

April 17, 2020 · Josh Vaisman · Ask the Expert

Unless the colony died because of a nasty disease like American Foulbrood, you can definitely re-use the equipment. AFB would present as a horrible smelling hive with rotting, brown, slimy brood. You don’t want to re-use equipment if the colony had AFB because it will pass on the new bees.

How Do You Catch a Swarm of Bees?

March 17, 2020 · Josh Vaisman · Ask the Expert

The simplest answer to “how to catch a swarm of bees” is this — get the queen and all the ladies in something you can safely transport them in back to your apiary.

Can Honey Bees Rehab Comb Damaged by Wax Moths?

February 17, 2020 · Josh Vaisman · Ask the Expert, Health & Pests

Oh man, there are few things more frustrating than a wax moth infestation. They are so destructive to the comb! The brief answer is yes, in most cases the bees can rehab comb damaged by wax moths.

I Found Dead Moth Worms on My Bottom Board

November 21, 2019 · Josh Vaisman · Ask the Expert

I was out inspecting the bottom board of my strongest hive. I found 3 dead moth worms. The hive is three deep and packed. Is there anything I can do / should do this late in the season to treat? I did the OAV treatment this fall from your tutorial and it worked great.