When I analyze my beekeeping time—the hours I actually spend in the apiary—I estimate fully 40% is spent looking for my hive tool. You probably believe that’s an exaggeration, but I think not. I start the day reminding myself not to lose the damn thing and I don’t—not for at least fifteen minutes. But then […] Read more
I have real issues with bee suits. Last year, I wrote a post about why (supposedly) they are white. I did not say the need for white suits is a myth, even though I wanted to. I forgo calling something a myth unless there’s scientific evidence to support me, but regarding bee suit color I […] Read more
Anyone who knows me knows I love bees. It’s obvious. But I have moments when I wonder if I like beekeeping. Today, for example. I have queen bees living in my underwear drawer. I do this every year because, if new queens cannot be installed immediately, they need to be kept in a warm, dark, […] Read more
With the holiday season upon us, I came up with a few inexpensive items for your favorite beekeeper. Each one of these items will get plenty of use, I promise. Flower and herb seeds. Most beekeepers like to attract bees to their gardens and patios, so seeds for bee-attracting plants are always a good choice. […] Read more
Hive tools come in several different designs. They are absolutely indispensable to the beekeeper. It’s the one item you will never open a hive without. The most common design in the U.S.—and the one that comes with most beginner kits—is somewhere around 7-10 inches (18-25 cm) long. These usually have a curved end meant for […] Read more
Although we say honey bees collect propolis, what they actually collect are the materials to make propolis. The substances the bees bring home are sap-like resins exuded from flower and leaf buds. For the plants, these resins form a defensive coating, protecting delicate plant parts from pathogens, fungi, and insects. Foraging honey bees scrape it […] Read more