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What's the Buzz?


Catching Bee Swarms: A Vital Service for Central Virginia Communities
Are you experiencing the sudden appearance of buzzing clusters in your backyard or around your property? It could be a bee swarm—a...


Swarm Season is Happening Now!
Swarming is simply what bees do to survive and thrive. When a hive gets too crowded, a portion of the colony, along with the old queen,...


What happened to my new package of bees
I just put my new package of bees in and there is no queen! So, picture this: I'm all geared up, ready to follow up and a gang of bees...


Grafting on my truck
Oh boy! Sometimes we have to do things in less than ideal conditions. I had to graft in the bee yard the other day. This is not a how to...


What to do with you package bees when its cold out
When it's cold outside, handling package bees requires some special considerations to ensure their well-being. Here are some tips on what to do with package bees in cold weather: Keep Them Warm : If you have not yet installed the package bees into their hive, it's crucial to keep them warm until you can do so. Store them in a warm area, ideally between 50-70°F (10-21°C). This could be inside a garage or a climate-controlled room. Delay Installation : If the weather is excessi


Orientation flights February 2024
Honey season is almost upon us as our bees are taking orientation flights. This is a great sign to show that bees are healthy and happy...


Mites don't kill bees..... ok... then what are these?
There is only one thing that a novice, adept, and master beekeeper have in common, mites. Mites can be disastrous to a hive and can kill...


Time to check hives....?
As the days lengthen and signs of spring emerge, beekeepers face the perennial question: Is it time to check the hives? In USDA Hardiness...


Forest Hill Woodworking Beekeeping Woodenware: Quality Supplies from Paradise, PA
For those familiar with Forest Hill Woodworking in Paradise, PA, you'll understand why I'm such a big fan. Ike and his family have been...


Cleaning Old Frames For Spring
It’s February, which means that it’s time to start turning the beekeeping wheel in preparation for the season. This week was spent...


Woodenware Preparation for Beekeeping Success
Preparing bee boxes, also known as woodenware, for winter is crucial to ensure the well-being and survival of honeybee colonies. Here's a step-by-step guide on what needs to be done to prep the bee boxes: 1. Hive Inspection: Begin by conducting a thorough inspection of each hive box. Check for signs of wear, damage, or rot. Replace any compromised components to maintain the structural integrity of the bee boxes. Check all components. 2. Remove Excess Propolis and Debris:


Para-Moth is used to protect comb 12-2023
If you need to protect comb, Para-Moth is a great product. It is really easy to use. Para-Moth, short for paradichlorobenzene, is a...


Beehive Distribution Program in VA is Back
This FREE program is how I first got my start! The Beehive Distribution Program in Virginia is set to accept applications from August 28,...


How to identify wax moths in bee comb
Wax moths are insects that are known to be pests of beehives and their comb. These moths can cause damage to bee comb and stored beekeeping equipment if not properly managed. Here's a description of their interactions with bee comb: Life Cycle : Wax moths go through a complete metamorphosis, which includes four stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa, and adult. The adult female wax moth lays eggs near or on beehive frames, combs, or stored equipment. Larval Stage : The larvae


Combining a weak nuc with a stronger colony with newspaper
If a hive is struggling due to low population, disease, or other issues, combining it with a stronger hive can help bolster its numbers...


Internal Bee Feeders Raft vs Ceracell
Here is a quick look at 2 different internal feeders that can be used for bee hives. Internal bee feeders are devices or structures...


A July swarm with a twist!
I pulled up to the bee yard just when a swarm was forming. I quickly got my bucket and a frame. I sprayed the frame with swarm commander. hoping that I could get them to land in the bucket. To my surprise, the queen was right on the ground. Since she was marked, it was easy to spot her and cage her. I found it unusual that the bees were not marching to the hive. I noticed that the bees were surrounding something. There was another queen! I don't know that I have heard of a se


Comb Honey
I had a few shallow frames that I put unwired wax foundation in. I wanted to try to make comb honey. The bees drew out the frames...


First Check on Retail Location 6-2023
I am so excited! The retail location has really taken off! I may have to look for a second location to expand!!


Bee Infographic
I have seen several graphics that explain about bees. This one is pretty good. Source~https://www.hobbyfarms.com/infographic-the-buzz-on-...


Revolutionary Self-Serve Honey Stand Shakes Up the Beekeeping Industry
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Revolutionary Self-Serve Honey Stand Shakes Up the Beekeeping Industry Locust Grove, VA June 23, 2023 — In a...
Follow up to crossed comb hive.
This is a follow up video of a swarm that made a home in an empty hive that did not have any foundation. They proceeded to make cross...


Apimaye Pollen Trap for Wooden Hives
I wanted to start collecting pollen. Apimaye produces a bottom board that has several features that I felt were beneficial to me. Watch...


Bee Rescue in a log.
I got a call from a home owner. He said that he had bees that were in a tree that had fallen. I loaded up the truck and headed out.
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