If you ask a beekeeper a question, you may get many different answers. We will provide the building blocks for your beekeeping experience. The method of beekeeping that will be used is determined by your geographic location. We will present new product instructions for you to review to increase your knowledge of beekeeping.
Applying a treatment for Varroa mites after the honey harvest in fall is one of the best ways to keep levels of these pests under control during the winter. In most areas, Varroa mite populations tend to increase in hives over the summer months and hit a peak just as honeybee colonies are laying eggs and raising brood for the winter. …
When it’s time to reap the rewards of your work as a beekeeper, make harvesting supers with frames full of delicious, golden honey a simple and easy process with these tips from Dadant & Sons. As always, it’s a good idea to have all of your tools and materials ready and close at hand before you begin. To start harvesting supers, …
Texas beekeeper Dwain Cleveland brought his swarm box for relocating honeybees to our attention. After seeing it in action, we thought we'd bring it to yours, too, by sharing this video. Each spring, beekeepers may choose to start a new colony by installing package bees or nucs into a new beehive, or even purchasing fully established hives from another beekeeper. Some …
Tips from the Dadant & Sons How to Start a Bee Smoker Video Learning how to start a bee smoker — and keep it lit — is an essential skill for all beekeepers. Start With a High-Quality Smoker A bee smoker is one of the most important tools for working with a colony of honeybees. The Dadant Smoker 4 X 7 Stainless Steel …
When it’s time to install package bees, make sure you have all your equipment and supplies ready before you begin! Tips from the Dadant & Sons How to Install Package Bees Video Start with a hive stand and a screened bottom board Ventilation and temperature regulation are crucial for honey bee colonies. Adding a hive stand and screened bottom board helps the bees …
Making your own sugar syrup ahead of time is a great way to prepare for the arrival of your package bees! When your package bees arrive, having enough sugar syrup ready to feed them will help the honeybees adjust to their new home in your hives. For each package, we recommend making one gallon of syrup. How to Make Sugar Syrup for …
The beekeeper’s calendar is directly linked to the seasons. Preparing your hives for changes in temperature and shifts in the weather — before they happen — is crucial for raising healthy, strong colonies. While there are a number of variables that affect the timing of these tasks, getting a head start and preparing your equipment is always a good idea. This …
The beehive is the cornerstone of all modern beekeeping. It provides a safe place for honey bees to store food reserves and raise the constant supply of young needed to keep colonies healthy and strong. Understanding the various components of the hive and how they function is an important first step to successful beekeeping. In 1852, Lorenzo Lorraine Langstroth patented a …