A queen excluder is an optional beekeeping equipment and can be purchased from a wide variety of manufacturers. When you do not want to buy a queen excluder, you can make one by yourself. This article details how to make a queen excluder and highlights its main features. It also looks at the importance of this beehive component as well as the reasons beekeepers choose to use or avoid a queen excluder in their beekeeping operation. While queen excluders are used in both Langstroth and top-bar beehives, the one discussed in this article is mainly that which is used in a Langstroth beehive.
Read More »Best Yellow Jacket Traps and Baits for Beekeeping
Controlling yellow jackets is important for all beekeepers, and there are a number of methods beekeepers can use to make sure these pests stay away from their hives. Digging up the nest and destroying comb is one way. You can also cover the entrance of the yellow jackets’ underground nest. …
Read More »How to Clean Beehive Frames and Foundation
Good hygiene is a key factor in beekeeping. In a beehive, the frames are one of the important items you should clean. Both experienced and beginner beekeepers need to know how to clean beehive frames. They can then reuse the frames in their beehives with little risk of spreading diseases and sure that they are controlling pests of honeybees. Some beehive frames are best destroyed by fire and other destruction methods. These are the frames that have contagious diseases of bee colonies such as foulbrood. It is especially important to clean beehive frames when moving them between honeybee colonies. Some colonies that appear healthy at first, may in fact harbor disease-causing organisms that can infect a weak colony. Do not put off cleaning beehive frames for any reason, especially if you plan to use them in another colony. It is great if you schedule and carry out beehive frame cleaning soon after harvesting honey. This gives your frames ample time to dry properly before the next use. You are also able to repair any damaged frames and replace those that cannot be reused; all this done in time before honey flow season.
Read More »What is Brace Comb? – Issues with Comb
Dive into the world of beekeeping with our article on brace comb, a common issue faced by beekeepers. Brace comb, or burr comb, is an irregular comb built by bees that can cause problems in hive management. The article explains what brace comb is, why bees build it, and effective strategies for managing it. Whether you're a seasoned beekeeper or just starting out, understanding and handling brace comb is essential for maintaining a healthy and orderly hive.
Read More »Where to Buy Bees – The Beginner’s Guide
Discover the best sources to purchase bees for your beekeeping journey. This article provides valuable insights into where to buy bees, whether you're a beginner or an experienced beekeeper. Learn about reputable suppliers, considerations for bee breeds, and tips for a successful acquisition.
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