Comments on: Beekeeping 101 – What beginner beekeepers need to know

By: Bob a

Bob a — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 16:29:59 +0000

Thank you. This information is simple, helpful. I live in Florida close to the coast with lots of hibiscus and firecracker plants in my yard. A large group of bumble bees are already doing a great deal of harvesting.

By: Angi Schneider

Angi Schneider — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 19:36:41 +0000

In reply to Donna. Swarms are pretty docile since their goal is to protect the queen and will stay huddled around her. Depending on where the swarm is you can bait a hive box and let the swarm find it. You could also try to capture the queen and put her in the box and the other bees will follow. I'm not a swarm catcher expert, I've only seen my son and husband do it. I'm sure there are some videos you can find on the internet.

By: Donna

Donna — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 01:42:32 +0000

How would one capture a swarm? Thanks for the invaluable info.

By: Angi Schneider

Angi Schneider — Sun, 24 Apr 2022 23:58:56 +0000

In reply to Sheila E Ayers. A healthy hive will be able to manage pests without much, if any, help. If you think your hive is struggling and has a pest problem you can get traps for hive beetles from a beekeeping supply company. Cinnamon and powdered sugar are also use to deter pests. Here's article that has helpful information for mites.

By: Sheila E Ayers

Sheila E Ayers — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 17:02:51 +0000

Just purchased first beehive. What do I need as far as treatment for mites and/or other pest that may get in the hive.

By: Angi Schneider

Angi Schneider — Tue, 25 May 2021 13:14:40 +0000

In reply to Debi Caldwell. Yes, you need a queen or the hive will die. The only way splitting one hive might work is if you purchase a queen for the half hive without a queen. But that's a long shot. If your friend can get one hive of wild bees, there are probably others that will be found over the summer. So one of you gets the first wild hive and the other gets the second. I suggest both of you reading Beekeeping for Dummies before you get said bees.

By: Angi Schneider

Angi Schneider — Tue, 25 May 2021 13:12:00 +0000

In reply to Debi Caldwell. If you live within the city limits you need to check on the city ordinances and make sure you are complying with them. Bees are going to need a clear flight path to take off and land - giving them at least 6 feet between the front of their hive and a structure such as a building, fence, etc. is a good amount. You need to make sure there isn't a lot of foot traffic near the hives or through the flight path. My best advice is to talk to your local county ag extension office and see if they know a local beekeeper who can come look at your property and help you find the best spot.

By: Debi Caldwell

Debi Caldwell — Tue, 25 May 2021 02:25:26 +0000

How close can bees be kept safely to my back door.

By: Debi Caldwell

Debi Caldwell — Tue, 25 May 2021 02:24:01 +0000

I have a source to getting some wild bees.
This person has offered to share the bees he will be relocations.
But don’t I need a queen?

By: Angi Schneider

Angi Schneider — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 14:28:58 +0000

In reply to Cassie Stephen. There are several things you can do to protect your hive from hornets and other pests. The most important is to reduce the number of openings in the hive - there should only be one. A strong hive will be able to defend itself so make sure you keep the apiary clean, reduce things like hive beetles by using traps, etc.