General Maintenance of Honey Bee Hives

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Publication Year: 2021
Authors: Molly Keck
Category: General
Short Description:Most experienced beekeepers and apiculturists agree there are two reasons honey bee colonies fail: (1) failure to monitor and treat for Varroa mites; and (2) failure to feed starving bees. t is imperative to monitor for Varroa mites regularly. When mite numbers become too high, colonies die. There are many resources available with information on how to monitor Varroa mites and interpret results.

Beekeeping Equipment – Tools

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Publication Year: 2021
Authors: Molly Keck
Category: General
Short Description:When perusing any beekeeping catalog, an array of helpful tools can be found. Because there are so many options, this factsheet will cover some of the more basic beekeeping tools. First and foremost, a hive tool (Fig. 1) is a must for beekeeping. Hive tools allow the beekeeper to break propolis—a substance bees produce from wax and tree resin to seal up their home.

Purchasing and Installing Bees

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Publication Year: 2021
Authors: Molly Keck
Category: General

Short Description:Honey bees can be purchased through a beekeeper and sold in two forms: packages and nucleus colonies (also referred to as “nucs”). Purchasing bees allows more control over genetics of the colony, and select bees with desired traits, such as gentleness or good honey production. This is especially important for those with little to no experience with bees or those that house their bees in a smaller space with close neighbors. Some experienced beekeepers will collect swarms of bees to place into boxes.