Kristi Cook, Author at Backyard Beekeeping

First Year Honey Extraction Equipment

August 17, 2022 · Kristi Cook · Hives & Equipment

Shiny new honey extraction equipment is not necessary the first year, so here’s a quick rundown of what to consider when first getting started in the extraction process.

Queen Introduction

August 6, 2022 · Kristi Cook · Beekeeping 101

Introducing new queens is a beekeeping skill that anyone can master on their first try when they keep just a few tips in mind.

Walkaway Splits

August 6, 2022 · Kristi Cook · Beekeeping 101

The good news is, making splits is nearly as simple as unstacking boxes on moving day with walkaway splits, so keep your cash in your pocket and read on to discover the simplicity of this new skill.

Honey Extractors Explained

August 6, 2022 · Kristi Cook · Hives & Equipment

In the beekeeping world, variety seems to be the common thread among us and honey extractors are no exception. So, here’s a quick rundown on what to look for when selecting a honey extractor.

When to Use an Outyard

June 29, 2022 · Kristi Cook · Beekeeping 101

You enjoy walking to your backyard and visiting your hives any time you’d like, right? They’re close, accessible, and convenient.

Conduct an Alcohol Wash for Varroa Mite Monitoring

June 9, 2022 · Kristi Cook · Health & Pests

Of the many techniques, the alcohol wash for varroa mite counts is currently considered the most accurate and is both fast and simple after a bit of practice.

Are Queen Excluders a Good Idea?

June 3, 2022 · Kristi Cook · Beekeeping Lifestyle Topics

If you enjoy a good debate, ask 10 beekeepers what they think about queen excluders. As is typical in the beekeeping community, within seconds, you’ll receive 10 different answers.

Natural versus Grafted Queen Rearing

June 2, 2022 · Kristi Cook · Beekeeping 101

Queen rearing can be as simple or as complex as the beekeeper chooses. Grafting queen bees and natural rearing are the two more common methods.

The Vital Role the Drone Plays in the Beehive

May 24, 2022 · 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.