Kristi Cook, Author at Backyard Beekeeping

Catch and Release Powdered Sugar Roll Varroa Mite Test

May 5, 2021 · Kristi Cook · Health & Pests

Knowing what a hive’s mite load is can mean the difference between a hive surviving the winter in a healthy state ready to tackle the next honey season and an almost guaranteed untimely death from the viruses and diseases contributed to high varroa loads.

When Should I Perform the First Mite Check and Treatment?

April 24, 2021 · Kristi Cook · Ask The Expert, Health & Pests

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.

DIY Hive Top Feeder Plan

April 11, 2021 · Kristi Cook · Hives & Equipment

Bees are hungry little creatures that occasionally require supplemental feeding. Fortunately, feeding honey bees during the warmer months requires little more than selecting a feeder and filling it with syrup.

Solar Bleaching Beeswax: The Safest Method for Lighter Wax

December 11, 2020 · Kristi Cook · Honey & Beeswax

Solar bleaching, on the other hand, has been around for thousands of years and is still the most common and safest method of bleaching wax with a negligible learning curve, promising a lighter wax on your first attempt with just a few steps to keep in mind.

How to Make Pollen Patties

November 23, 2020 · Kristi Cook · Health & Pests

To get started making your own patties, you’ll need a recipe. Many are readily available online with many folks adding various supplements such as essential oils, amino acids, or probiotics. However, it’s often best to begin by keeping it simple.

The Vital Role the Drone Plays in the Beehive

August 26, 2020 · Kristi Cook · Beekeeping 101

The most sustainable manner of keeping bees requires Beeks to learn skills beyond hive inspection, feeding regimens, and pest control. Learning to create splits and raise queens are, without a doubt, the most sustainable manner of reducing costs.

Learn How Bees Can Be Sustainably Managed

July 17, 2020 · Kristi Cook · Beekeeping 101

The most sustainable manner of keeping bees requires Beeks to learn skills beyond hive inspection, feeding regimens, and pest control. Learning to create splits and raise queens are, without a doubt, the most sustainable manner of reducing costs.

What’s Wrong with My Filtered Beeswax?

July 13, 2020 · Kristi Cook · Ask The Expert, Honey & Beeswax

Filtering beeswax can take a bit of trial and error as you get a feel for the process. However, with a bit of practice, you’ll be an old pro in no time. So first, let’s talk about the bubbles you’re seeing in your wax as that’s the first indicator of what is most likely the underlying cause of your multi-shaded wax.

Conduct an Alcohol Wash for Varroa Mite Monitoring

May 20, 2020 · Kristi Cook · Health & Pests

Monitoring Varroa destructor’s infestation levels is arguably one of the most important tasks on a beehive inspection checklist — yet mite checks are also the most commonly forgotten task. This doesn’t have to be with so many fast and simple methods available.