Carniolan vs Italian Bees: Which One Fits You?
Carniolan vs Italian bees compared on winter survival, swarming, honey production, and temperament. Practical guidance to help you choose the right stock for your climate and management style.
Guides
Practical guides on hive management, varroa treatment, seasonal beekeeping, and getting the most out of your apiary.
Queen Cells Explained (Types & What to Do)
A practical guide to queen cells in a beehive: what they look like, the three types (swarm, supersedure, emergency), and what to do when you find them.
Swarm Trap Guide: Bait, Placement, and Transfer
What scout bees are actually looking for, how to bait a swarm trap with lemongrass oil and used frames, where and how high to hang it, how to tell when a swarm has moved in, and how to transfer a caught colony.
How to Use a Bee Smoker (Step by Step)
A practical guide to using a bee smoker: how smoke calms bees, the best bee smoker fuel, how to light it so it stays lit, how much smoke to apply during inspections, and how to put it out safely.
What Is a Brood Box?
A clear explanation of the bee brood box: what it does, how many brood boxes per hive you need, sizing options, and the difference between a brood box and a honey super.
What Do Bees Do In Winter? Do Bees Hibernate?
Honey bees do not hibernate in winter. They form a warm cluster inside the hive, eat stored honey, raise long-lived winter bees, and wait for spring.
Feeding Bees in Winter: What to Feed, When & What to Avoid
A practical guide to winter bee feeding: how much honey colonies need, when to use 2:1 syrup, when to use fondant or sugar bricks, and what not to feed bees in winter.
Overwintering Bees: A Beekeeper's Guide to Winter Survival
A research-backed guide to overwintering honey bees: varroa timing, cluster & cavity size, moisture, insulation, feeding, and the various factors that shape overall colony survival.