Both plastic frames and wood frames w/ plastic foundation are common and both have pros and cons. Wood frames with plastic foundation is more common, and what most beekeepers prefer. But let’s examine them both so you can decide which...
There are so many options in beekeeping, right?! What type of feeder to use is one of the most commonly asked questions out there. Every feeder has its pros and cons, however, at the end of the day, the important...
By: Michael Kelling - President Central Texas Beekeepers Association Michael owns approximately 100 hives that he uses mainly to provide...
Only YOU Can Prevent Fires in the Bee Yard! With the heat and severe drought conditions we are experiencing, the smallest spark from a bee smoker can become a nightmare in minutes! Our bee yard happens to be located in...
Topics Beekeepers Can't Agree On! I usually decide on my question for beekeepers at least a couple of weeks before I post it on Facebook, and my planned question for this article was no exception. March 1st, I opened the Texas...
Tips for storing Honey Only bottle the amount you can sell in a reasonable amount of time. Depending on the time of year, you may only sell a few bottles a week or even a month. Avoid having cases of...
Screened bottom boards are one of those beekeeping tools that spark a lot of debate. Some beekeepers swear by them, others keep things simple with solid bottoms—and both can work just fine. In this article, we’ll break down the pros, cons, and a few things to consider before deciding what’s best for your hives.
Staying ahead of Varroa mites is critical—especially during honey flow when options are limited. Using drone frames as part of your IPM plan can help reduce mite loads naturally, while other products are available if needed.
This is especially common when the weather begins to warm, and you are using a Boardman entrance feeder. Sugar water has a shelf life of 7-10 days so make sure you only give the bees as much as they can...
Topics Beekeepers Can't Agree On! By: Lynne Jones On September 29th, I asked members of two Beekeeping Facebook groups* to state their preference for Solid or Screened bottom boards and why. There were roughly 33 people that commented with only 28 having...
How to make a handy mobile storage dolly By: Harrison Rogers Vice President Harris County Beekeepers Association Treasurer - Real Texas Honey Program - Certified Texas Master Beekeeper Have you ever started pulling supers out of storage when the nectar...
Topics Beekeepers Can't Agree On! By: Lynne Jones Queen Excluders below your honey supers - always, never, sometimes? That was the question I asked beekeepers in two Facebook groups on April 1st. Out of twenty beekeepers that responded, a whopping...
Drone laying hives are one of the more frustrating issues in beekeeping, and they’re not always worth trying to save. They usually come from a failed queen or laying workers, so the key is quickly identifying the cause and deciding if the hive is strong enough—and the timing is right to even attempt a fix.
As with many topics in beekeeping, there is much room for debate on comb rotation as well. There is no hard and fast rule as to when combs should be rotated. The problem is not that comb darkens or gets...
