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How To Feed Bees – A Practical Beekeeper’s Guide
Most of the time, honey bees are self-sufficient and will happily feed themselves. In spring and summer, they usually have a ready supply of nectar and pollen. Their priority is building up reserves of honey to…
What Is Chalkbrood? Symptoms + Prevention
Chalkbrood is a disease that affects honey bees and can devastate their population. Caused by a fungus called Ascosphaera apis, it is one of the most common diseases of honeybees worldwide. Chalkbrood can kill entire colonies,…
What Does A Queen Bee Look Like?
If you’re getting started as a beekeeper, you may wonder how to identify the queen bee. At a glance, she appears to blend in with the other bees, but no other hive member looks like her….
How To Prevent European Foulbrood
European foulbrood (EFB) is found in the United States and almost every other country where bees are kept. It is a brood disease caused by the bacterium Melissococcus plutonius. The hive often deals with mild cases…
Why is There No Honey in My Hive? [6 Reasons]
A thriving hive often produces excess honey, meaning beekeepers can harvest a portion for themselves. While this may sound appealing, things don’t always go to plan. The two basic requirements for excess honey production are hive…
Russian Bees Vs. Italian Bees – Comparison Guide
Russian and Italian bees are both excellent options for beekeepers, but which is best? They differ in appearance, but what matters more is their character traits. Factors like swarm tendency, productivity, and defensiveness will vary depending…
17 Honey Bee Threats – Pests, Predators, Disease
Honey bees are generally peace-loving insects, focused on building out their hives and preparing for winter. But that doesn’t mean they don’t have to face a slew of threats in their short lives. In this article,…
Do Racoons Eat Bees? How To Keep Them Out
Raccoons are North American natives that enjoy moist woodland areas. However, they’re are known to make their homes almost anywhere. These nocturnal mammals are part of the bear family and are highly intelligent. If you’re a…
How To Keep Bears Out Of Hives [11 Ways]
Bears have a healthy appetite for honey and larval bees. An acute sense of smell draws them towards hives as they travel. Once a bear discovers a beehive, it may rip it apart, causing massive damage….
How To Keep Mice Out Of The Hive [Tested Solutions]
Mice are a headache for beekeepers in winter when bees are vulnerable. They enter hives seeking shelter and food but often end up causing massive disruption. Unwanted mice use comb and frames for nests which causes…
How To Treat Wax Moths [8 Options For Beekeepers]
Healthy bee colonies are good at dealing with wax moths and their larvae. But weak hives don’t have the numbers to watch every corner of their home. In the right conditions, wax worms will infest and…
Lifecycle Of The Wax Moth [Egg To Adult]
Wax moths progress through four stages in their lifecycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult moth. The length of each phase is highly dependent on environmental factors like humidity, light, temperature, and airflow. This guide will look…
How To Prevent Wax Moths [In Hives And Storage]
Wax moths are parasitic insects that can cause severe damage to woodenware and comb. A healthy colony will often fight off these pests, but not always. Beekeepers should make every effort to prevent wax moths from…
How To Detect Wax Moths In The Hive [7 Ways]
The wax moth is a highly destructive hive pest that beekeepers should watch out for. In weak colonies, larvae tunnel through comb filled with brood, pollen, and honey with ease, destroying everything in their wake. The…
Lifecycle of Small Hive Beetle – From Egg To Adult
The lifecycle of a small hive beetle typically takes 3-12 weeks, depending on conditions like temperature, humidity, and available food sources. The stages of development consist of egg, larva, pupa, and adult beetle. Stage 1: Eggs…