News
When Do I Put Honey Supers On?
Put supers on when the brood boxes are full of bees and a flow is starting — not before. A colony that isn't crowded will ignore a super, and empty...
When Do I Put Honey Supers On?
Put supers on when the brood boxes are full of bees and a flow is starting — not before. A colony that isn't crowded will ignore a super, and empty...
Should I Split My Colony in the First Year?
In the northern plains, splitting a first-year colony is usually a bad trade unless the colony is genuinely strong and it's early enough that both halves can build to winter...
Should I Split My Colony in the First Year?
In the northern plains, splitting a first-year colony is usually a bad trade unless the colony is genuinely strong and it's early enough that both halves can build to winter...
How Do I Know if My Colony Is Preparing to Swarm?
The signal that matters is charged queen cells along the bottom edges of frames — cells with an egg or larva and royal jelly in them. Empty cups mean nothing....
How Do I Know if My Colony Is Preparing to Swarm?
The signal that matters is charged queen cells along the bottom edges of frames — cells with an egg or larva and royal jelly in them. Empty cups mean nothing....
When Should I Add a Second Box?
Add the second box when the bees have drawn and are actively working about seven of the ten frames in the first one. Not when seven frames have comb on...
When Should I Add a Second Box?
Add the second box when the bees have drawn and are actively working about seven of the ten frames in the first one. Not when seven frames have comb on...
My Queen Isn't Laying. What Now?
Before doing anything, work out which of three situations you're in: she needs more time, she's failed, or the colony is queenless. The fixes are completely different, and acting on...
My Queen Isn't Laying. What Now?
Before doing anything, work out which of three situations you're in: she needs more time, she's failed, or the colony is queenless. The fixes are completely different, and acting on...
Your First Inspection After Installation: What ...
Seven days after installation, you're looking for exactly two things: eggs, and drawn comb. Everything else is detail. If you find both, the colony is working and you can close...
Your First Inspection After Installation: What ...
Seven days after installation, you're looking for exactly two things: eggs, and drawn comb. Everything else is detail. If you find both, the colony is working and you can close...