Hive Management

You walk toward your beehive for a routine inspection. Usually, the bees hum quietly and go about their business. But today, something feels different. A few bees fly straight at your veil. The buzzing sounds louder and more intense. Your…

The most effective way to prevent small hive beetles is to maintain strong, healthy bee colonies. Strong colonies defend themselves by chasing beetles into corners and trapping them with propolis. Combine colony strength with several proven methods: keep hives in…

Building a strong and healthy bee colony is the foundation of successful beekeeping. Whether you live in Nigeria, the United States, the United Kingdom, or anywhere else in the world, a thriving colony means more honey, better pollination, and stronger…

The best way to protect a beehive from extreme heat is to combine three strategies: provide afternoon shade, ensure strong ventilation, and supply clean water within 50 feet of the hive. Position hives to receive morning sun but afternoon shade.…

The most obvious signs of a drone laying queen include bullet shaped brood cappings that stick out of normal worker cells, a very spotty brood pattern, and a sudden drop in your worker bee population. You will also notice a…

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 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,…

The Quick Answer: The most effective way to treat varroa mites without chemicals naturally is by combining screened bottom boards, drone brood trapping, powdered sugar dusting, and deliberate brood cycle breaks. These mechanical and physical methods disrupt the mite reproduction…