Here’s how soil conditions affect the success rate of nematodes targeting SHB pupae Soil conditions greatly affect the success rate of nematodes targeting SHB pupae, influencing their movement, survival, infectivity, and ultimately the mortality of SHB larvae and pupae. The main soil-related factors are: Summary Table: Soil Factor Impact on Nematode Efficacy for SHB Soil […]
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What is a Screen Board? A screen board (specifically a double screen board or Snelgrove board) is one of the most versatile yet underused tools in beekeeping. It consists of a wooden frame with two layers of mesh screen separated by about 3/4 inch of space. This design allows heat and air to pass through
Here’s the main advantages of using nematodes over chemical controls for SMALL HIVE BEETLE Using nematodes like Steinernema carpocapsae to control small hive beetle (SHB) populations offers several clear advantages over chemical controls: In summary Nematodes provide a highly effective, safe, and sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides for SHB control—protecting pollinators, hive products, and the
Rearing your own queen bees empowers selective breeding for desirable traits—such as honey production, disease resistance, gentleness, and overwintering survival—while ensuring a reliable supply of high-quality queens for your apiary. 1. Why Rear Your Own Queens? Rearing your own queens allows beekeepers to: 2. Biology of Queen Development All female larvae start identically; the caste
Beekeeping is moderately labor intensive, but the commitment varies greatly depending on the number of hives, your management style, the season, and your level of experience. Estimated Time Commitment for Hobbyist Beekeepers Spring requires the most attention (weekly inspections, swarm prevention), while fall and winter need far less—sometimes only monthly or bi-monthly checks[4][5][6]. Scaling Up
Small Hive Beetle – By James D. Ellis – This image is Image Number 5025046 at Invasive.org, a source for images of invasive and exotic species operated by The Bugwood Network at the University of Georgia and the USDA APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine program., CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8187533 Learn ways to manage the Small
The most effective hive management techniques to prevent swarming focus on reducing congestion, maintaining optimal hive conditions, and manipulating colony structure and queen dynamics. Based on the latest best practices: Summary Table: Swarm Prevention Tactics Technique How It Works Key Benefit Add extra space Add boxes/supers Reduces congestion Brood nest manipulation Alternate/separate brood and empty
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Beginning your beekeeping journey requires some essential tools and equipment, which comes with a price. Here’s what to expect. Essential Gear for Beekeepers Item Why You Need It Typical Beginner Price (USD, 2025) Langstroth hive set (brood box, 10 frames, bottom board, inner & telescoping covers) The colony’s permanent home. Standard dimensions make parts interchangeable.
Here’s a beginner-friendly beekeeping calendar that overviews a beekeepers essential task throughout the year. Timing assumes a temperate Northern-Hemisphere climate. Nudge tasks 3-6 weeks earlier in warm zones or later in cold zones. Beekeeping Calendar Month Key Goal Absolute-Must Chores (First-Year Focus) January Keep colonies alive through mid-winter – Heft each hive; add fondant or
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Before getting started on your beekeeping journey, here’s a few pros and cons you might want to consider. Pros of Beekeeping Cons of Beekeeping At a Glance: Beekeeping Pros and Cons Pros Cons Increased pollination of garden & crops[1][2] Start-up and ongoing costs[8][9] Environmental and biodiversity support[3] Bee stings and allergy risks[9][10] Fresh honey and
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