Upper entrances are polarizing. Some beekeepers claim they are the best thing since sliced bread, while others say they offer an efficient way to kill your colony. Most likely the truth lies in the middle. Your local patterns of wind, rain, and temperature will dictate how effective or how detrimental upper entrances can be. Those […] Read more
What should you do when something comes between you and your honey bees? Perhaps something like a walker or wheelchair? Well, if you are creative and innovative, you might discover the perfect solution — one that works for you and pleases your bees. Master beekeeper Naomi Price of Prineville, Oregon did exactly that. Living with […] Read more
I was a newbee when my mentor took one look at my overcrowded, bearding colony and said, “I think you need a slatted rack.” And then he left. Huh? What the heck was he talking about? And later, when I asked around, people who never used one told me they were worthless. After all, they […] Read more
Over the Rainbow This is just to inspire you. When I saw this picture, I wanted to run right outside and mess with bees. These gorgeous newly-painted hives belong to Rick Cheverton in Knoxville, Tennessee. Looks like fun, right? Now I’m really eager for spring!
When I was only knee-high to a goat, my grandfather took me for long rides each evening at dusk. He loaded me into in his Chevy just as the deer began to venture from the woods into the orchards for dinner. He loved to watch them, excitedly calling, “Look there! One, two, three…” I loved […] Read more
A friend and master beekeeper from Connecticut, Bill Hesbach, wrote the following account about his misadventures with an oxalic acid vaporizer and a face mask. First posted on BEE-L, the story is a cautionary tale of the hazards of working with oxalic acid, and a reminder that when things begin going south, they sometimes just […] Read more
Does a screened bottom board have any value? My vote is a resounding “Yes!” even though they are basically useless as a way to control varroa mites. A screened bottom board, especially when used with a sliding varroa drawer beneath it, can be a valuable diagnostic tool for the beekeeper. And for the beginner, it […] Read more