BeeKeepClub Resources and Guides for Beekeepers

Dive into the essential practice of record-keeping in beekeeping with our insightful article. It highlights the benefits of meticulous record-keeping and introduces a helpful app that makes this task easier and more efficient. Ideal for both novice and experienced beekeepers, this guide emphasizes how tracking hive health, productivity, and maintenance activities can significantly improve your beekeeping success.

Of all the domesticated bees in existence, the mason bee is perhaps one of the easiest to manage and maintain. It neither demands sophisticated tools nor require specialized skills to keep. In most cases, the mason bee will demand maintenance that takes about 3 hours or less and this is done about once a year. Of course, this will depend on the number of mason bee houses you have. Mason bees are a target to many pests, parasites and predators, and hence the need for maintenance. This is carried out in the fall and winter months. In this article, we'll discuss how to clean a mason bee house and why it is important to do so.

Learn the art of hive splitting in DIY beekeeping! This comprehensive guide walks you through the steps to successfully divide a beehive, ensuring the health and growth of your honeybee colonies. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced beekeeper, this article provides clear instructions, tips, and insights into hive management. Discover how to prevent swarming, increase your bee population, and promote a thriving apiary.

Varroosis of honey bees is a commonly known and widespread disease. It also goes by other names such as varroatosis or Varroa mite infestation. Its main cause is the Varroa destructor or Acari Varroidae mite. This is a mite that targets the honey bee in all its life cycle stages, affecting many species of bees. It is believed to have originated from the Far East where its main host is the Asiatic honey bee. Earlier research suggests it was first introduced to the US in the 1950s. It has since spread to other countries globally, with the exception of Australia where no single case of the mite has been reported. The mite spread rapidly as a result of importation of queen bees from areas that are infested. Foraging bees can also introduce the mites to healthy colonies during pollination. Severe cases of varroa mite infestation can lead to colony collapse.

Controlling parasites is standard part of beehive management. One such parasite of honey bees is the Varroa mite, which can causes colonies to get weak and deformities to appear in bees. Various treatments are applied by beekeepers to keep Varroa mites in check. Formic acid is one such treatment used and it can be applied in various forms. You can make your own formic acid preparations for the various methods of application. However, there are also some formic acid treatments for honey bees solutions that are sold to beekeepers. They are easy to use and can be applied by both beginner and experienced beekeepers.