Reducing Honey Bee Drift
Outcomes Learners will be able to understand the significance of painting beehive boxes for honey bee orientation and recognize the key factors to consider when painting their hive. Key Takeaways Bees have impressive navigation skills within their colonies, but drift can occur in apiaries with multiple colonies. Hive orientation and visual landmarks help […]
Queen Rearing Basics
Outcomes Learners will acquire a foundational understanding of the essential techniques and practices involved in raising queens. Key Takeaways The queen rearing process begins with the presence of purple-eyed drone pupa, indicating the drones’ sexual maturity for mating with new queens. Pre-feeding the hives with light syrup and pollen patties stimulates development and provides […]
All About Flow
Informative video and blog on honey bees and nature; flow and dearth and management.
Setting Goals for Queen Production
Outcomes Learners will be able to set effective goals for queen rearing and sustainable apiary management by considering crucial factors like environment, seasonal flows, colony strength, proximity to other hives, and apiary size. Key Takeaways Goal setting for queen rearing requires considering various factors, including the environment, seasonal flows, proximity to other hives, […]
Holistic Apiary Management With Bill Stagg
Outcomes Learners will have knowledge about natural beekeeping, including the significance of observing bees, allowing swarming, providing natural nutrition, and timing colony splits for successful apiary management. Key Takeaways Beekeepers can learn valuable insights from observing and studying the behavior of bees in their natural environment. Allowing bees to swarm is crucial for the […]
Choosing a Beehive Location
Outcomes Learners will understand the factors to consider when placing a beehive to ensure the successful establishment of a honeybee colony in their yard. Key Takeaways Sunlight and Warmth: Placing the beehive in a location that receives ample sunlight allows honeybees to forage for longer periods and helps maintain a warmer environment for raising […]
Rotating Out Old Bee Comb
Outcomes Learners will have a comprehensive understanding of the importance of comb rotation in beekeeping and the benefits it brings to maintaining healthy honey bee colonies. Key Takeaways Importance of comb rotation: Over time, old brood combs become dark and contaminated with pesticides and disease organisms. To maintain a healthier environment for the bees and […]
Choosing the Right Bee Smoker
Outcomes Learners will understand the factors involved in choosing the right beekeeping smoker Key Takeaways Safety First: The most critical consideration when selecting a smoker for beekeeping is safety. Look for a smoker with a raised bottom chamber to prevent accidental fires, and ensure it includes a hook or mechanism to hang the […]
Darwinian Beekeeping with Dr. Tom Seeley
Outcomes Learners will understand the concept of Darwinian beekeeping and key guidelines for promoting a more natural and sustainable approach to beekeeping. Key PointsDarwinian beekeeping is an evolutionary approach that aims to let the bees use their own beekeeping skills fully. It aligns beekeeping methods with the natural history of honeybees, allowing them to […]
Questions to Ask When Purchasing Used Beekeeping Equipment
Outcomes Learners will assess the risks associated with used beekeeping equipment and recognize the advantages of investing in new gear. Key Takeaways Used beekeeping equipment may have structural weaknesses that can compromise bee colony safety. Previous bee colonies housed in used equipment may have faced health issues, leaving behind hidden threats of disease. […]