Beekeepers Blog

Bees are amazing creatures—and their needs can change dramatically from year to year, or even from one apiary to another just a few miles away. 

What should you look for during your very first hive inspection? 🐝 Blake breaks it all down in this quick guide—whether you're starting with a full hive, a nuc, or a package. Learn exactly what to check for to ensure your bees are healthy, your queen is thriving, and your hive is off to a strong start!

Queen Excluders: Yes or No? 🐝
A hot topic in beekeeping! They help keep brood out of your honey—but may slow down production. Learn when and how to use them wisely.

Check out Blake Shook’s practical tips for staying ahead of hive growth and nectar flow. 🐝

Every hive inspection holds more than meets the eye. While the basics—brood, eggs, stores, space, and health—are essential, the real lessons often come from what we overlook. When a hive suddenly fails after “looking fine” just weeks before, something was missed. Learning to look beyond the obvious and view each inspection as part of a bigger picture can reveal early warning signs and help prevent future problems—often hiding in plain sight.

Early spring beekeeping is all about balance—matching bee population to box space while keeping a close eye on honey stores. As colonies grow faster than forage appears, managing space and preventing starvation becomes critical. Stay ahead of swarms, feed when needed, and adjust space as your bees expand.