insects, bees, wild bees, wild, bee colony, honey bees, nature

How Honey Bees Build Hives Naturally in the Wild

When honey bee colonies establish themselves in the wild, they engage in a sophisticated process of site selection and construction that represents millions of years of evolutionary refinement. Understanding how these remarkable insects create their natural homes provides valuable insights into their biology and preferences. Swarm Behavior and Site Selection The process begins when a […]

How Honey Bees Build Hives Naturally in the Wild Read More »

, , , ,
Close-up of bees on a log near water, showcasing nature's intricate details.

Why There’s No Such Thing As Wild Honeybees in the US

Image by MemorySlashVision via Pexels Honey Bees Are Not Native To North America There is no such thing as a truly “wild honeybee” in the United States because the species commonly known as the honey bee (Apis mellifera) is not native to North America—they were imported from Europe by colonists in the 1600s[1][2]. Before their

Why There’s No Such Thing As Wild Honeybees in the US Read More »

, , , ,

Influence of Ancient Civilizations on Beekeeping

Ancient Egyptian wall painting showing beekeeper with bees and clay hives, illustrating early beekeeping practices. Image by Gene Kritsky, PhD via Pexels Ancient civilizations laid the foundational practices that shaped modern beekeeping, with each culture contributing unique techniques, religious significance, and technological innovations that persist today. Ancient Egypt: The Birthplace of Organized Beekeeping Pioneering Techniques

Influence of Ancient Civilizations on Beekeeping Read More »

, ,
bee tv episode 3 by HDN beesworld.org

Bee TV – New Episode Just Released

We just posted our latest Bee Tv Episode to the Bees World Playlist on YouTube This episode had several new species visit the watering dish, as it’s been close to 100 degrees for the last couple of days. The interactions between the bees has been quite fascinating, you just need to slow down long enough

Bee TV – New Episode Just Released Read More »

, , , ,
double-screen board illustration https://openai.com/index/image-generation-api/

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Double-Screen Boards in Hive Management

Double-screen (Snelgrove) boards are powerful for hive splits, swarm control, and requeening, but certain errors can reduce their effectiveness or harm colonies. The following are frequent pitfalls to watch for: 1. Mistakes with Entrances and Timing 2. Queen, Brood, and Colony Management Errors 3. Improper Screen or Board Setup 4. Neglecting Food and Resource Management

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Double-Screen Boards in Hive Management Read More »

, , , ,
A beekeeper in protective gear attending beehives in the Turkish countryside under a bright blue sky.

How much time does a beekeeper spend on hive maintenance?

Average Time Spent The average hobbyist beekeeper typically spends about 25 to 35 hours per year per hive on maintenance tasks[1]. This total includes time spent on regular inspections, managing swarming, checking for pests like mites, preparing equipment, and harvesting honey. For beekeepers with more hives, efficiency improves per hive, but total hours increase. For

How much time does a beekeeper spend on hive maintenance? Read More »

, , ,
A beekeeper in protective gear inspects a bee-filled honeycomb outdoors in summer.

Seasonal Factors Influencing Beekeeping Time Investment

The total yearly time commitment for beekeeping varies significantly based on seasonal factors. Each season brings distinct tasks and challenges, directly impacting how many hours a beekeeper must dedicate. Spring Summer Autumn Winter Key Seasonal Influences Other Influencing Factors Summary: The majority of beekeeping hours are concentrated in spring and summer, with reduced time needs

Seasonal Factors Influencing Beekeeping Time Investment Read More »

, , ,
Macro shot of honey bees on a wooden hive, showcasing intricate bee and hive details.

How does thymol compare to miticides in efficacy?

Here’s how the use of natural oils like thymol compares to synthetic miticides in efficacy Natural oils like thymol are widely used as “soft” (organic) miticides, while synthetic miticides (such as amitraz or pyrethroids) represent traditional “hard” chemical controls. Their efficacy differs based on mode of action, environmental conditions, and practical application: 1. Efficacy of

How does thymol compare to miticides in efficacy? Read More »

, , , , ,

The Hum of New Beginnings

A Beekeepers Adventure! This short story reveals a young man’s first year of beekeeping A Life Changing Moment Marcus wiped the sweat from his brow as he stood before the white wooden boxes that would change his life forever. Three hives sat in the corner of his grandmother’s old orchard, looking deceptively peaceful in the

The Hum of New Beginnings Read More »

, , ,
Close-up view of bees clustered in a wooden beehive, showcasing pollination and colony behavior.

How do beekeepers prevent swarming in their hives

Image by Johann Piber via Pexels Beekeepers use several proven strategies to prevent swarming—the natural process where a colony splits and a large group departs with a new queen. The new swarm takes a fair amount of honey on their way out. You’ll see a wide circle flight pattern as they depart the hive during a

How do beekeepers prevent swarming in their hives Read More »

, , , , ,
Scroll to Top