By: Blake Shook Repairing old frames can be challenging. It’s often easier to dispose of old frames and purchase new ones. If an all plastic frame breaks, it is almost impossible to fix. However, if a wooden frame breaks, and...
Drones are a normal and healthy part of every hive. Hives will usually remove drones from the hive in the late fall and begin raising them again in early spring. From early spring through late fall, about 10% of the...
A honey-bound hive occurs when bees fill the brood nest with honey or syrup, leaving the queen with no room to lay eggs. Recognizing the signs early and providing additional space can restore brood production and keep the colony healthy and productive.
Also read: What does a good vs bad brood pattern look like? A poor brood pattern can be caused by many things. Below I’ve outlined the common causes, and how to fix them: A failing queen- As queens age, they...
Not every hive keeps up this time of year, and sometimes it’s not obvious why. Weak hives can struggle with brood, population, or foraging even when everything around them looks great. The key is figuring out what’s holding them back—and knowing when to help them along or when it’s time to move on.
Every beekeeper eventually faces the question: Is this hive worth saving? Sometimes a struggling colony just needs time or a little help to recover. Other times it is simply too weak to survive. Knowing when to keep trying and when to move on is important skill to learn.
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.
Got a weak hive? Don't give up too soon. A little brood, a few young bees, proper mite control, and good nutrition can often turn a struggling colony around.
