Based on all the talk you hear, you’d think beekeepers manhandle all their frames all the time. In truth, the idea of an inspection just for the sake of inspection is a new-beekeeper thing. Each time I mention that inspections should be limited, I get a barrage of comments insisting that inspections are a necessary […] Read more
The six weeks between Labor Day and Columbus Day are often considered the fall management window. Although southern beekeepers can wait longer, most North American beekeepers can use this rule of thumb with good results. The objective of fall management The purpose of fall management is to assure your colonies remain healthy throughout the winter […] Read more
Nothing makes me more tense and equivocal than a fall hive inspection. I am a firm believer in minimum hive disruption, yet there are compelling reasons to make a pre-winter check. But when I crack open the propolis seals and disturb the cozy nest, a pang of guilt interferes with my own judgment. Am I […] Read more
Note: Today’s post was written by Karen Peteros, a beekeeper and beekeeping instructor in San Francisco. Karen took issue with my post, “Is too much hive inspection a bad thing?” and wrote a dissenting opinion. Her arguments are both articulate and valid. I thought it would be useful, especially for new beekeepers in urban and […] Read more
Hive inspection is a hot topic among beekeepers. I can certainly understand new beekeepers wanting to open their hives and peruse the colony frame-by-frame. It is the very best way to learn about the social structure of a colony, the duties of individual bees, and the physical layout of pollen, honey, and brood. Nevertheless, I […] Read more
Your very first hive inspection can be scary because you are not used to working with bees and you’re not sure what to do or how to do it. Here are a few tips to make easier. To begin Know why you are opening the hive before you do it. It helps to know exactly […] Read more