If you ask a beekeeper a question, you may get many different answers. We will provide the building blocks for your beekeeping experience. The method of beekeeping that will be used is determined by your geographic location. We will present new product instructions for you to review to increase your knowledge of beekeeping.
Beekeeping is an endeavor filled with learning and growth, not just for the bees but for the beekeepers as well. One of the most dramatic and natural events in the life of a bee colony is the swarm. While it might seem alarming at first, swarming is a strong signal of a healthy, thriving colony ready to expand. Understanding how …
Discovering a bee swarm can be an awe-inspiring yet daunting experience. Often misconceived as an aggressive congregation, swarms are, in essence, nature's way of propagating the species. When a bee colony decides to swarm, it’s a spectacle of tens of thousands of bees launching into the air, swirling in a seemingly chaotic dance before settling on a temporary perch. This …
Spring heralds a flurry of activity in the beekeeping world as colonies awaken from winter slumber and gear up for a season of growth. However, with increased population comes the risk of swarming, a phenomenon that can compromise hive health and productivity. In this post, we'll delve into strategies for preventing swarms during the spring season, drawing upon the expertise …
For beginning beekeepers just starting their journey, it can seem overwhelming to decide where, when, and how to buy exactly what you need. With all of the various types of equipment, feeders, and supplies (fortunately all of which is provided by Dadant & Sons right here), it can be easy to forget the most important aspect of your hive: the honey …
Texas beekeeper Dwain Cleveland brought his swarm box for relocating honeybees to our attention. After seeing it in action, we thought we'd bring it to yours, too, by sharing this video. Each spring, beekeepers may choose to start a new colony by installing package bees or nucs into a new beehive, or even purchasing fully established hives from another beekeeper. Some …
In the third and final article in our series on populating new hives, we discuss purchasing fully-established hives. While novice beekeepers can greatly benefit from starting off with a colony that is already up-and-running, there are things to watch out for. Experienced beekeepers will usually buy package bees or nucleus colonies to populate their hives as the weather warms. For new …
In Part II of our series, we continue our discussion of ways to add honey bees to a new hive. Capturing feral swarms of bees is certainly an exciting and economic method, but requires the right timing and careful planning. Whatever method you use, be sure to keep your safety — and the well-being of the bees — a top priority. There’s …