Q: Is there an ideal distance between hives (to avoid mites or other issues)? A: I think I answered this in a practical sort of way at the meeting but would like to add that research indicates that drifting bees promote the spread of Varroa…
Q: What is the best way to stimulate drawing foundation and is there a time you would not want to do this? -A A: Feeding sugar syrup will result in increased brood production and wax gland stimulation for comb building. I would not do it…
Q: What is the best treatment in your opinion/experience for treating mites? A: This is a tough question to answer. But since you asked my opinion, here goes! I do not like to treat my hives with chemicals. Rather I use two other…
Q: I’m new to beekeeping and I was wondering if you can collect honey the first year or if it should be left alone? -T A: I appreciate your question. The answer depends on the time you started your hive in the spring and…
Q: What is your preferred form of grafting queens? What tool do you like best? -K, A: Each person grafting queens usually settles on a method that fits their style. I know there are many non grafting methods available for a person to…
Q: Why does it seem to take them forever to draw comb on a frame (even with added wax) but it only takes a day or so to build a ton of burr comb in open places? -K A: Let me say first…
I was reading an old bee magazine which discussed Chickens and Bees. Both were kept in the barn yard to the advantage of both the chickens and the bees. Unless a chicken is range free to roam, it has little to do with honey bees…
I learned beekeeping working for my dad and uncle. I don’t know how many times I was called a “dumb ass”. My dad especially got on my case even though I was still too young to pick up a heavy deep full of honey. I…
A young beekeeper not long ago asked me to write something about keeping bees in the past. At 78, I really don’t consider myself old and the thought struck me that many of my very good friends have already past to the other side. I…
