In many parts of the world, temperatures range from freezing cold to scorching hot throughout the year. In some areas, honeybees can be subjected to these temperatures on the same day. This has forced them to develop incredible hive temperature regulation methods to help control the internal temperature. The internal […]
Beehive Temperature: How Hot Is It Inside?
Yes, bees are friendly and don’t attack or sting without being provoked. However, some factors can shape the defensive response of bees, like genetics and their roles in the colony. Unfortunately, the perception that bees are not friendly has spread over the years. There are even movies about killer bees
Washboarding is a behavior where honey bees sway back and forth in a rocking motion, moving their mouths, antennae and front legs over the surface of the hive. It’s called washboarding because the movement looks almost as if the bees are scrubbing clothes on a washboard. Bees washboard both inside
Bees Washboarding: Bees Rocking Back And Forth
Bearding and swarming are two different phenomena that occur in the lifecycle of honeybees. In both cases, a large number of bees cluster together – which is why many people mistake bees bearding for bees that are about to swarm. While there are some similarities between the two, you should
Bearding Vs Swarming: How To Tell The Difference
The Demaree method is a popular method of swarm prevention invented by American George Demaree who published the details in the American Bee Journal in the late 1800s. It involves rearranging the boxes vertically before the signs of swarming occurs. The idea behind the Demaree method, as with other swarm
Demaree Method Of Swarm Control
Having your bees is something many of us can do. Not only will they pollinate many of your food crops, but they will also provide you with delicious honey too. Before getting your first bees there are several important decisions you have to make. One of these is to decide
Bee Package vs Nucleus Colony (Nuc)
Bearding is when many bees cluster outside the hive in a shape that looks like a beard. Bees beard because the internal temperature of the hive is too hot and humid, which can cause the brood to die and make it impossible for bees to make honey. Bearding is done
Bee Bearding: Bees Hanging Outside The Hive At Night
An excluder is a selective barrier that confines the queen and drones to the brood box. It’s placed between the brood box and the honey super, allowing only worker bees to pass through the holes. This means that no brood will be laid in the honey super – so fully
What Is A Queen Excluder And Do I Need To Use One?
When it comes to moving your hive, there is an old rule most beekeepers follow – either move your hive less than 3 feet (about a meter) or more than 3 miles (about 5 kilometers). This is because bees generally forage up to a radius of 3 miles from where
There are three methods for safely getting the bees out of your honey super before you harvest your honey. They are: Shake and brush method Use of a clearer or escape board Use of a mechanical bee blower Before I outline each of these methods, you must ensure you have
How To Get Bees Out Of Your Honey Super
