Search found 438 matches
- Mon Aug 14, 2017 7:46 pm
- Forum: Comb
- Topic: 1 1/4 frames
- Replies: 45
- Views: 2618
Re: 1 1/4 frames
Greg, Your experience sounds similar to my own when using 1.25" bars. For simplicity sake, I decided 1.5" was the way to go and haven't really noticed any negative change by using 1.5" bars throughout. I can see where 1.25" bars may be beneficial in some respects, and understand ...
- Thu Aug 10, 2017 7:34 pm
- Forum: Treatment-Free Bees and Equipment For Sale
- Topic: Two Queens for Shipping Cost
- Replies: 0
- Views: 366
Two Queens for Shipping Cost
I'm preparing to downsize my apiary before winter, and have a couple of queens I need to move. I am offering them both for $35, the cost of shipping if anyone is interested. PM me and we can work out the details.
- Wed Aug 02, 2017 7:25 pm
- Forum: Expansion Model Beekeeping
- Topic: Expansion plan
- Replies: 5
- Views: 464
Re: Expansion plan
At this stage in the game, it would be a little late. Lharder gives some great advice. One of the problems you'll have is if they are indeed shutting down for dearth, you would be stealing brood from bees that don't plan on making any more bees for a bit. They need all the workforce they can get thi...
- Tue Jul 04, 2017 7:12 pm
- Forum: Randoms
- Topic: Using a Scythe to Trim Around Hives
- Replies: 6
- Views: 339
Re: Using a Scythe to Trim Around Hives
Once I get my mounting ring and get the blade attached, I'll post a pic. Just by looking at the blade semi-placed on the snath, the angle looks really good. I think it will be a good set up once it's all together.
- Tue Jul 04, 2017 4:37 pm
- Forum: Randoms
- Topic: Using a Scythe to Trim Around Hives
- Replies: 6
- Views: 339
Re: Using a Scythe to Trim Around Hives
Thanks Sibylle. That's a good run down. I made my snath a one-handled style. Basically the handle on the rear is the snath itself. I can adjust as needed. Seems pretty comfortable. It looks very primitive, but I think it will get the job done. I'll be mindful of the safety issues as well. Now I'm ju...
- Tue Jul 04, 2017 6:04 am
- Forum: Randoms
- Topic: Using a Scythe to Trim Around Hives
- Replies: 6
- Views: 339
Using a Scythe to Trim Around Hives
So, I got tired of getting stung on occasion using the weedeater and mowing close to the hives. I have purchased a scythe blade for a reasonable price, built my own handle (snath) and am now waiting on the mounting ring for the blade and sharpening equipment. Anyone use a scythe? Any tips for a newb...
- Mon Jul 03, 2017 2:46 pm
- Forum: All Other Not Listed Above
- Topic: Bait hives
- Replies: 15
- Views: 1181
Re: Bait hives
Nice! What does that bring the total to for the year?
- Mon Jul 03, 2017 2:39 pm
- Forum: Basic Beekeeping
- Topic: Does a swarm store honey from parent hive?
- Replies: 16
- Views: 1089
Re: Does a swarm store honey from parent hive?
Sibylle, reading your post on the German response to a Small Hive Beetle sighting is preposterous. One of the most manageable pests there is. Keep your bee to comb coverage population dense, as well as keeping bees prone to hive defense, and your problem is solved. They aren't that bad at all. It's ...
- Mon Jul 03, 2017 2:18 pm
- Forum: Honeybee Horticulture
- Topic: Ideas
- Replies: 29
- Views: 1828
Re: Ideas
For something that blooms here during our dearth period, I'd recommend peppervine. It's vertical growth, so takes up very little ground space. Be careful with it though, as it can take over if you don't cut it back. Bees go nuts for it this time of year. Plant it along fence lines, and it will estab...
- Sat Jul 01, 2017 12:19 am
- Forum: Basic Beekeeping
- Topic: What's the Buzz in the Beeyard?
- Replies: 429
- Views: 26043
Re: What's the Buzz in the Beeyard?
Some will get away from you all on their own
I've certainly done my part in helping build the feral population this year.
- Wed Jun 28, 2017 11:29 pm
- Forum: Basic Beekeeping
- Topic: Bearding
- Replies: 18
- Views: 2201
Re: Bearding
Washboarding coincides here with large populations and nectar dearth. My guess is if you look at it from a bee "chore" standpoint, washboarding may be way down on the "to do" list. I've never seen a low population hive engaged in washbording. As far as perfectly normal, definitel...
- Wed Jun 28, 2017 11:22 pm
- Forum: Introductions
- Topic: Kiaora from New Zealand
- Replies: 4
- Views: 380
Re: Kiaora from New Zealand
Hello Kiaora, welcome to the forum.
- Fri Jun 23, 2017 5:18 pm
- Forum: First Year
- Topic: Logbooks
- Replies: 11
- Views: 732
Re: Logbooks
I've tried keeping a logbook in the past, but failed miserably at it. Seems I'd tell myself to remember to write everything down as I went into the house after inspections, but I'd get distracted by other things or never get around to it. I saw on a different forum, someone was using voice recording...
- Fri Jun 23, 2017 5:13 pm
- Forum: Introductions
- Topic: Greetings from Ontario Canada
- Replies: 6
- Views: 536
Re: Greetings from Ontario Canada
Welcome to the forum. Enjoy your stay.
- Thu Jun 22, 2017 2:08 am
- Forum: Randoms
- Topic: Income from bees
- Replies: 4
- Views: 382
Re: Income from bees
I don't know how you feel about blackberries, or whether they can be grown in your zone, but I have native blackberry brambles threatening to take over my yard. I could send you more than you could handle in exchange for currant cuttings. Bees love the blossoms, and the berries on these are nice and...
- Thu Jun 22, 2017 12:31 am
- Forum: Randoms
- Topic: Income from bees
- Replies: 4
- Views: 382
Re: Income from bees
If we made honey the new gold standard, I'd still be broke.
I like barter, though. My neighbors and I have an unspoken agreement in that regard. They supply me free range eggs and I give them honey when I have it. It's a good deal.

I like barter, though. My neighbors and I have an unspoken agreement in that regard. They supply me free range eggs and I give them honey when I have it. It's a good deal.
- Sat Jun 17, 2017 4:33 pm
- Forum: Honeybee Genetics
- Topic: Developing Local Climate Adaptation
- Replies: 48
- Views: 3407
Re: Developing Local Climate Adaptation
There is a lot of truth to what Sibylle says in regard to traits commercial beekeepers find desirable vs. survivor traits. I am optimistic that their is perhaps a shifting tone in regard to how to handle the mite problem sans treatment, but most commercial interests appear to be fine with the treatm...
- Thu Jun 15, 2017 6:29 am
- Forum: Honeybee Genetics
- Topic: Developing Local Climate Adaptation
- Replies: 48
- Views: 3407
Re: Developing Local Climate Adaptation
Why the fear of swarms? I don't understand the irrational thinking. Varroa is already well established in Germany. What are they trying to protect? Makes no sense. Unless the authorities are actively patroling all of Germany for feral bees, I'm thinking they probably miss a colony or swarm here and ...
- Thu Jun 15, 2017 2:39 am
- Forum: Honeybee Genetics
- Topic: Developing Local Climate Adaptation
- Replies: 48
- Views: 3407
Re: Developing Local Climate Adaptation
Regarding Sibylle's case, I see it like this: if everyone thinks ferals don't exist, who's looking for them? 

- Wed Jun 14, 2017 3:11 am
- Forum: Basic Beekeeping
- Topic: Moving frames
- Replies: 24
- Views: 2212
Re: Moving frames
moebees wrote:Its honeybee line dancing!
Lol. I guess bees need something to do to occupy their time.
- Wed Jun 14, 2017 1:40 am
- Forum: Basic Beekeeping
- Topic: Moving frames
- Replies: 24
- Views: 2212
- Tue Jun 13, 2017 11:26 pm
- Forum: Basic Beekeeping
- Topic: Moving frames
- Replies: 24
- Views: 2212
Re: Moving frames
A good sign here is the bees start washboarding and you'll notice a significant drop off on numbers of bees bringing in pollen. If they are still busy and you still see them bringing in quite a bit of pollen, you probably still have some nectar around.
- Tue Jun 13, 2017 10:44 pm
- Forum: Basic Beekeeping
- Topic: What's the Buzz in the Beeyard?
- Replies: 429
- Views: 26043
Re: What's the Buzz in the Beeyard?
Nice, Greg!
- Tue Jun 13, 2017 6:32 pm
- Forum: Honeybee Genetics
- Topic: Mite Biting (video)
- Replies: 14
- Views: 752
Re: Mite Biting (video)
Hey Sibylle, yes, all bees self-groom. You are correct. From my observations, bees often groom other bees as well. I don't think this is particularly a special trait. Without the biting trait, I'm not so certain grooming alone would help tremendously with varroa. As Michael pointed out, mites easily...
- Tue Jun 13, 2017 5:11 am
- Forum: Basic Beekeeping
- Topic: Moving frames
- Replies: 24
- Views: 2212
Re: Moving frames
The queen is laying heavy in the second brood box, but the bottom box has very little worker brood. Mostly drones and honey. Let me guess - you have a top entrance only (in the second, upper box)? If this theory is correct, this is pretty typical with top-only entrances (see MB's writings, for exam...
- Tue Jun 13, 2017 1:56 am
- Forum: Basic Beekeeping
- Topic: Moving frames
- Replies: 24
- Views: 2212
Re: Moving frames
What you could try is reversing your brood boxes and move honey into the super like you said. If the bottom is mainly capped drone and honey, I'd move the drone brood into the top box/super. Once those drone hatch, the bees should fill them with nectar if any kind of nectar is available. Worst case ...
- Mon Jun 12, 2017 10:25 pm
- Forum: Basic Beekeeping
- Topic: Moving frames
- Replies: 24
- Views: 2212
Re: Moving frames
What you are most likely seeing is the flow tapering. You're in SW Missouri, so probably close enough to my general region to experience dearth. The fact the bees aren't wanting to draw new wax and instead store it in the brood nest are signs here the flow is starting to diminish. I'm not sure what ...
- Mon Jun 12, 2017 6:33 pm
- Forum: Honeybee Genetics
- Topic: Mite Biting Potential
- Replies: 17
- Views: 931
Re: Mite Biting Potential
I just wanted to say anyone can do this. I bought a $12 pocket microscope with 60x-120x power off Amazon and use my camera phone to take the pictures by holding the camera lens up to the scope lens. From my experience, it's a trait worth looking for and propagating if possible.
- Mon Jun 12, 2017 6:42 am
- Forum: Basic Beekeeping
- Topic: What's the Buzz in the Beeyard?
- Replies: 429
- Views: 26043
Re: What's the Buzz in the Beeyard?
Wow! Summer dearth already? I think we should have a good flow until mild-July or end-July here (depending on weather). Basswood is just about to start. Clovers already started and should carry on through most of the summer. Yep, our flow is gone. We'll have a trickle here and there, but for the mo...
- Mon Jun 12, 2017 6:33 am
- Forum: Honeybee Genetics
- Topic: Mite Biting Potential
- Replies: 17
- Views: 931
Re: Mite Biting Potential
Thanks Sibylle. I appreciate the interest. I emailed my pictures to the Mountain State Queens association which is a collaborative effort based in WV that focuses on mite biting traits for a second opinion. Jeff Berta, who is a collaborator of their efforts and queen breeder, confirmed that all the ...
- Sun Jun 11, 2017 6:01 am
- Forum: Basic Beekeeping
- Topic: What's the Buzz in the Beeyard?
- Replies: 429
- Views: 26043
Re: What's the Buzz in the Beeyard?
Looks great, Dusty. I'm jealous of both your weather and that nicely drawn white wax. We're starting our dearth here. Bees are shutting down until Fall.
- Sun Jun 11, 2017 12:21 am
- Forum: All Other Not Listed Above
- Topic: Bait hives
- Replies: 15
- Views: 1181
Re: Bait hives
Thanks Greg. Seems like a cheap and easy solution. Great pics.
- Sun Jun 11, 2017 12:20 am
- Forum: Honeybee Genetics
- Topic: Mite Biting Potential
- Replies: 17
- Views: 931
Re: Mite Biting Potential
6/10/17
No mites. Time to move to a different hive perhaps.
No mites. Time to move to a different hive perhaps.
- Sun Jun 11, 2017 12:15 am
- Forum: Basic Beekeeping
- Topic: What's the Buzz in the Beeyard?
- Replies: 429
- Views: 26043
Re: What's the Buzz in the Beeyard?
Good job, Greg.
One of the coolest things I've ever seen in my bee yard, and I caught it on film! Keep an eye on the last bee.
https://youtu.be/0rASrblfZCA
Maybe that's why small hive beetles aren't much of an issue.
One of the coolest things I've ever seen in my bee yard, and I caught it on film! Keep an eye on the last bee.
https://youtu.be/0rASrblfZCA
Maybe that's why small hive beetles aren't much of an issue.

- Sat Jun 10, 2017 5:47 pm
- Forum: Basic Beekeeping
- Topic: What's the Buzz in the Beeyard?
- Replies: 429
- Views: 26043
Re: What's the Buzz in the Beeyard?
Way to go, Leroy!
- Sat Jun 10, 2017 2:32 am
- Forum: Honeybee Genetics
- Topic: Mite Biting Potential
- Replies: 17
- Views: 931
Re: Mite Biting Potential
I'm going to start keeping this as a journal style entry. It's a lot easier for me to document everything here as well as updating the community on where I'm at with this if anyone is still watching. If not, then you'll just have to put up with me. :lol: 6/8/17 Two mites on the board in a 3 hour per...
- Thu Jun 08, 2017 4:45 am
- Forum: Basic Beekeeping
- Topic: What's the Buzz in the Beeyard?
- Replies: 429
- Views: 26043
Re: What's the Buzz in the Beeyard?
I've caught 2 swarms at my 5 trap locations. One small, about 1lb, that never came up with a laying queen and an appx 3lb+ swarm with a queen. Getting a fair amount of scouting action at that location again too. The trap is right next to a 50 acre wooded area so they could possibly be feral. Fun st...
- Thu Jun 08, 2017 1:02 am
- Forum: All Other Not Listed Above
- Topic: skeps
- Replies: 20
- Views: 1549
Re: skeps
Sounds great, Marcel. Thanks.
- Wed Jun 07, 2017 4:56 pm
- Forum: Basic Beekeeping
- Topic: What's the Buzz in the Beeyard?
- Replies: 429
- Views: 26043
Re: What's the Buzz in the Beeyard?
Awesome Greg! Very cool.
- Wed Jun 07, 2017 2:14 am
- Forum: Honeybee Genetics
- Topic: Mite Biting Potential
- Replies: 17
- Views: 931
Re: Mite Biting Potential
So I set out my board from 8 AM-12 PM today. Oddly enough, I got 3 more samples, and yet again, one was crawling and active. Here are pics of the other two. http://www.beesource.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=33681&d=1496800710 This mite was obviously dessicated. It fell from the hive th...