Sustainable Beekeeping Tips & Hive Management
Sustainable Beekeeping Tips & Hive Management
The Quick Answer: Generally, no. It is not safe to harvest honey for human consumption from a hive while it is being treated with chemical medications. You should not harvest honey immediately after a treatment either. Most mite treatments require…
To store a nucleus colony overnight safely, close the entrance securely at dusk when all foragers have returned, place the nuc box in a cool, shaded, and well-ventilated spot with temperatures between 50°F and 70°F (10°C to 21°C), and make…
What is the best food for bees when nectar is scarce? The best food for bees when nectar is scarce is white granulated cane sugar mixed with clean water. During the warm spring and summer months, you should feed bees…
The Quick Answer: To use a honey refractometer, you must first calibrate it. Place a drop of calibration fluid or extra virgin olive oil on the main prism. Adjust the calibration screw until the shadow line reads exactly 71.5 percent…
To attract bees to a new hive naturally, place 2 to 3 drops of lemongrass essential oil inside the hive box, position the hive in a shaded spot facing south or southwest between 9 and 15 feet off the ground,…
The best way to protect beehives from pests and ants is to keep your bee colonies strong, place hives on elevated stands with oil moats on the legs, and use targeted in-hive traps. For ants, spread cinnamon or diatomaceous earth…
Your bees are leaving the hive because of one of two things: swarming or absconding. Swarming is natural. About half the colony leaves with the old queen to start a new home when the hive gets too crowded. Absconding is different. The entire…
You should check your beehive every 7 to 10 days during spring and summer. In fall, drop your inspections to once every 2 to 3 weeks. In winter, inspect your hive as little as possible — only do a quick external check once a month,…
How much profit does beekeeping make per year? On average, a small hobbyist beekeeper with 5 to 50 hives can make a net profit of $500 to $10,000 per year. A medium scale operator with 50 to 200 hives can…
The best smoker fuel for calm bees is natural cotton. It produces cool, white, thick smoke that smolders steadily without an open flame. It does not release harmful chemicals, it lasts a long time per load, and it is gentle…