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...
by Hilary | May 2, 2019 | How To, Intermediate & Experienced Beekeepers
When I tell new beekeepers that it’s not necessary to find the queen bee every time they inspect their hives, their face usually takes on an expression of relief. Finding the queen bee is challenging, even sometimes for experienced beekeepers. And while...
by Hilary | Feb 10, 2019 | How To, Intermediate & Experienced Beekeepers, Just for Fun
Since 2012 I have been playing a game called Queenspotting with my followers on social media. I post an image of a lot of bees and then challenge people to find the queen among the sea of workers. Think Where’s Waldo, but bees. Initially, I was just having a bit...
by Hilary | Jan 2, 2019 | Equipment, Intermediate & Experienced Beekeepers, Natural Beekeeping, New Bees, Troubleshooting
Many beekeepers are intimidated by foundationless beekeeping. They aren’t sure their bees have enough time build out before winter without assistance or they worry about cross-comb. They often ask me, “Can I do a mix of some frames with foundation and some...