by Hilary | May 15, 2022 | Equipment, Honey, How To, Intermediate & Experienced Beekeepers
Honey extractors are the standard when it comes to harvesting honey, but you can harvest without one. One method of honey harvesting called ‘crush and strain’ offers a simple alternative. Keep reading to find out when and why I use this method, plus how I...
by Hilary | Apr 4, 2022 | Equipment, How To, Intermediate & Experienced Beekeepers
Swarm are designed to travel. When a swarm lands, a beekeeper never knows how long they will stay put. I have often rushed out of the house to catch a swarm only to have them leave in the time it took me to drive to their location. If you hope to catch a swarm this...
by Hilary | Jan 24, 2022 | Equipment, Intermediate & Experienced Beekeepers, New Bees
Many new beekeepers wonder if it’s really necessary to wear a bee suit. They see other beekeepers online wearing minimal to no protective clothing and they aspire to be like them. As romantic as it looks, there is a reason bee suits exist. Read on to explore...
by Hilary | Nov 4, 2021 | Intermediate & Experienced Beekeepers, Uncategorized
When it comes to small swarms, does size matter? In my last post, I wrote about those big beautiful swarms that get us beekeepers running out the door to catch them. In this post I’ll share what you need to know about catching a small swarm of bees. Undersized Swarms...
by Hilary | Aug 24, 2021 | Intermediate & Experienced Beekeepers
Swarm size varies dramatically. Some massive clusters are the equivalent of several watermelons while others are barely grapefruit-sized. These size differences may seem arbitrary, but when a swarm is exceptionally large or small they may need special care. Read on...
by Hilary | Jun 23, 2021 | Intermediate & Experienced Beekeepers, Troubleshooting
Honey bee swarms can land anywhere. I’ve found them on everything from beach umbrellas to garbage cans. The most convenient swarms hang from low limbs like ripe fruit, almost as if they are waiting for a beekeeper to come along. Sometimes a swarm gathers at an...