In this article, I’ll discuss our experience trying to manage varroa mites our first couple years in beekeeping, some lessons we learned, a new way of approaching varroa management, and address some common questions about our management plan.
Read MoreIt is essential that beekeepers control mites for hive health and survivability. This project used the oxalic acid drizzle method.
Read MoreBecause I live in an area with long, hot summers I’m often asked, “How do I know if my bees are too hot?” During the dog days of summer, you’ll often find bees hanging out in clumps on the outside of their hive.
Read MoreGlobal trade has landed a wide selection of goods on our doorsteps, and people throughout the world have benefitted in ways unimaginable in decades past. But one detriment of increased trade is the movement of organisms into new environments.
Read MoreVarroa mites are considered a universal problem. Fortunately, varroa mite treatment isn’t hard, you just have to be diligent.
Read MoreOf the many techniques possible, the alcohol wash for varroa mite counts is currently considered the most accurate.
Read MoreLike all animals, honey bees need a dependable source of water year round. The best water sources for bees are ones that won’t go dry in the summer, won’t drown the bees, and won’t be shared with livestock or pets.
Read MoreOne of the most disappointing things that can happen to a beekeeper is to have a hive swarm. After it happened to us, we needed to find out why bees swarm.
Read MoreSplitting the colony is a natural part of the honeybee’s reproductive life cycle—in nature we call this action “swarming.” Why do bees swarm? With increased hours in daylight, the queen bee begins to lay her eggs and grow the hive’s population.
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