Why are cross combs a problem? Beekeepers prefer a comb constructed in parallel, neat layers because this design makes it easier to harvest honey at the end of the season and perform hive inspections. Beginning beekeepers might be warned about the problem of cross combs, but it’s something they don’t usually think about until it happens. The first step for preventing cross …
One of the most practically useful, environmentally-conscious ways you can repurpose your outdoor property is to build a bee-friendly garden. In addition to hosting a beautiful set of pollinator-friendly flowering plants easy on the eyes right in your backyard, you'll also be doing your part to build a bee sanctuary to boost their dwindling numbers. Let's dig into the top tips …
Beekeepers and their bees have different preferences and needs, which means the ideal bee feeder can vary from one colony to the next. Selecting the right bee feeder can be difficult for those who are just beginning their beekeeping journey. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available to suit the needs of each individual beekeeper. Each bee feeder type has unique advantages …
You can find a cornucopia of information on the internet regarding the care and culture of beekeeping. Parsing through it to know where to start can be difficult. To kick things off, you might want to look into our favorite beekeeping book, First Lesson In Beekeeping, to get more of an understanding of what beekeeping entails (most of our kits already …
Before we know it, extracting season (usually in late July, August, and September) will be upon us. This can be a satisfying and fulfilling time for beekeepers, but it can also be stressful if you don’t know what type of extractor works best for you. Fortunately, that’s what we’re here for! Though there is a multitude of ways you can extract …
When you think of bees, an image might pop into your head of the classic black-and-yellow striped carton-like bee as they are often depicted in popular culture and images. However, there are actually over 20,000 diverse species of bees in the world. Over 4,000 of those bee species are native to the United States. Unfortunately, they don’t all work well in …
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 …
For beginner beekeepers, choosing the best method to uncap honey frames is crucial for maximizing honey yield while minimizing waste and mess. At Dadant & Sons, we understand the dilemmas you face and offer a variety of tools to suit different preferences and requirements. In this blog, we’ll explore some popular uncapping tools, their benefits, and potential drawbacks to help …