Part of being a successful beekeeper is learning how to identify, prevent, and treat a wide range of diseases. Honey bees face many threats from viruses, parasites, and other disease-spreading organisms.

Ants can be a persistent problem for beekeepers. These tiny insects are attracted to the delicious resources found in beehives, like honey, pollen and protein. Even spilled syrup can attract them.

As beekeepers, we understand the critical role that mite control plays in maintaining healthy and thriving honeybee colonies. Varroa destructor mites, in particular, pose a significant threat to our beloved pollinators. Fortunately, there are various methods and treatments available to manage mite infestations effectively.

Clean Gloves - Crucial to ensure your safety and hive hygiene. Beekeeping gloves are one of the essential pieces of protective gear for anyone working around a beehive. They protect your hands and arms from stings and provide an excellent grip when handling hive equipment.

Believe it or not, Queen and worker larvae start the exact same way. Most female bees become workers, which are generally sterile. Only a tiny percentage of female larvae become Queen bees, which are the sole reproductive beings in their colonies.

Everyone’s heard of the Queen bee and how important she is. A Queen is responsible for laying eggs and maintaining her colony’s population levels. Due to her level of importance, losing a Queen is one of the most common ways to lose a colony. 

No one wants to find beetles in their home, including your bees. A hive beetle infestation can prove disastrous for your colony. It’s important to keep your colony strong so they can ward off these pests or diseases that threaten the hive.

In an environment riddled with various threats to healthy beehives, it’s easy to overlook one of the most troublesome pests—the wax moths. These pests might seem harmless, but they can wreak havoc if left to roam unchecked.

On average, 20% of unmanaged bee colonies may die during winter. In managed hives this figure can vary from around 5% to 100%, depending on the measures taken in autumn to prepare for winter.

Want to reduce plastic waste in your kitchen? Learn how to make homemade beeswax wraps to store food instead! They are reusable, non-toxic, biodegradable, and really easy to make.