Beekeeping Supplies
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How to Use a Robber Bees Screen
It’s something all beekeepers have to deal with at one time or another – robber bees. Left unattended, robbing can be a big problem for colonies. Using a robber bees screen is a great way to prevent robbing from starting in the first place. What Are Robber Bees? Robber bees are bees that enter a different colony with the intention to steal their honey. These are forager bees that simply want to collect food to bring back to their own colony. Since robbing isn’t an easy task, robbers will target a weaker colony to steal from. To enter the hive she must first fight the guard bees at the entrance. …
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Foundation vs Foundationless Beekeeping
One of the big debates in beekeeping is whether or not to use foundation. Each method of beekeeping has it’s advantages and disadvantages, so it’s best to do your research before deciding on what is right for you. Read on for all the details on foundation vs foundationless beekeeping. What is Foundation? Foundation is a sheet made of plastic or wax that is placed in the middle of the frame. Foundation forms the base of one honeycomb, therefore giving the bees a guide on which to build the rest of their comb. It looks like a flat sheet with a hexagonal pattern molded into it. Plastic Foundation Plastic foundation is…
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Beekeeping Attire for Women: The Best Bee Suits
Women are making an impact on agriculture. Today, women account for 36% of farmers. Over the past 5 years the number of female farmers has been steadily rising. In the world of apiculture, local beekeeping clubs comprise of nearly 50% women, with many in leadership roles. Whether it be commercial or hobby beekeeping, many women are successful beekeepers. So it’s no surprise that some companies have started to develop bee suits for women. Of course, beekeeping is no fashion show, but it is nice to have a bee suit that is made to fit the smaller frame of a woman. What to Look For in Bee Suits for Women If…
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How to use a Top Feeder for Bees
There are three different types of feeders used in beekeeping. An entrance feeder sits right outside the entrance of the beehive. A frame feeder goes in the hive, replacing one of the frames. A top feeder sits on top of the upper box of the beehive, with an empty hive box placed around it. Each type of feeder has it’s own benefits and disadvantages, so different beekeepers prefer different feeders. The top feeder for bees is good because they are protected from the sun and they usually hold a lot of syrup. What is a Top Feeder for bees? There are different designs for top feeders for bees, but they…
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Should You Use a Queen Excluder?
Beekeepers have different opinions on the use of a queen excluder. Some can’t live without them, while others never use them at all. Queen excluders come with a lot of beginner beekeeping kits and the beekeeper must decide to use it or not. This article will discuss everything about queen excluders – how to use them, gap size and dimensions, benefits, disadvantages, and if you should use a queen excluder or not. What is a Queen Excluder? A queen excluder is a device used in a beehive to keep the queen out of the supers. It is made out of a flat sheet of metal or plastic, containing holes that…
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What is the Best Beehive Stand Height?
Most beekeepers already know how important beehive stands are to successful colonies. Beehive stands have so many benefits that it is often considered a must have in beekeeping. Whether you buy a beehive stand, or build your own, many people wonder, what is the best beehive stand height? Beehive stand height is crucial because if it’s too low, pests could easily invade the hive. On the other hand, if it’s too high, it will be difficult to lift the supers off of the top. The supers can get quite heavy when they are full of honey, so having a beehive that is elevated too much can be a hassle for…
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How to Use a Bee Smoker
One of the first things a new beekeeper will learn is how to use a bee smoker. A bee smoker is essential in allowing the beekeeper to do hive inspections without getting stung. What is a Bee Smoker? A bee smoker is a device beekeepers use that puffs smoke into a beehive. It is constructed as a stainless steel cylinder, called a fire chamber, with a lid and nozzle on top. A bellows is attached to the back of the cylinder that forces air through it. Bee smokers usually have metal cage built around them so the beekeeper can hold the smoker without burning their hands. There are different kinds…
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A Guide to Beehive Brood Boxes and Honey Supers
The beehive box is the most important part of the beehive. Langstroth hives and Warre Hives have components called a beehive box. It is the part of the hive that contains the frames for comb, brood, and honey. If a beekeeper is looking for beehive boxes for sale, they are typically looking for extra boxes for their beehive. Both of these types of hives are customizable in that you are able to add more beehive boxes to them in order to accommodate a larger colony. In the Langstroth hive extra beehive boxes are added to the top of the hive, while they are added to the bottom in the Warre…
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How to Use a Beekeeping Journal
A part of beekeeping that is not often thought of is record keeping. Record keeping is such a useful tool because keeping track of your observations can really help to improve and expand on your beekeeping knowledge. There are a few different methods of record keeping of beekeepers. Some keep their records electronically by using excel spreadsheets or even audio or video, but the most common form of record keeping is a beekeeping journal. These can be made from scratch, bought, or made from a beekeeping journal template. What is a Beekeeping Journal? A beekeeping journal is a great way for beekeepers to keep track of what is going on…
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Should You Use a Screened Bottom Board in Winter?
In beekeeping the bottom board is the floor of the beehive. There are 2 different types of bottom boards – solid and screened. Both types have advantages and disadvantages, and it is up the beekeeper to decide which one they like best. This article is all about the screened bottom board. Here, you’ll learn what a screened bottom board is, pros and cons of using one, and how to use a screened bottom board in winter. Disclosure: As an affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. This is at no cost to you and helps to keep this website running. What is a Screened Bottom Board? In a beehive, the bottom…
