Typically, we consider bees of a swarm to be very sensitive to the presence of their queen, even swarms occurring in the summer. A swarm flying off and abandoning its queen is counterintuitive. With that unsettling notion in mind, consider the three following case studies, along with photographic documentation, never published before. Case 1: …
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Every beekeeper knows varroa is the greatest biological threat to honey bee colonies throughout the world. But in fact, this is only partially true. Varroa feeds on bee fat bodies, and because fat bodies are essential to the immune system of bees, feeding by varroa weakens bees’ immune response. At the same time, viruses such …
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A Regional Breakdown of How to Schedule Beekeeping Tasks Isn’t it hard to “slow down” these days? Of course it makes sense that beekeepers are as busy as bees. In my work as an apiary inspector, I find myself scheduling inspections with beekeepers further and further in advance of when we meet. We schedule inspections …
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Charlene, a beekeeper in Georgia, described the nightmare she discovered in her only hive. After a summer trip to Nashville, she returned to find foul-smelling honey reminiscent of acetone pooling on the varroa drawer. From there it had sluiced off the edges in viscous globs that rolled in the dirt and settled atop the soil …
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Maybe you have some insight Unanswered mysteries In general, I personally don’t care too much for unsolved mystery movies or similar TV shows. I like clear endings with the villain being taken away in restraining cuffs. However, when it comes to bee colony mysteries, I have been forced to learn to accept lingering unknowns. They …
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Q Queen cell and forced supersedure A few weeks ago, I grafted some queen cells. I wanted to get new queens mated before winter. A couple of days before the queens hatched, I put their cells into my hives. Have you had experience doing this? Do you know if this would be a good way …
Read MoreThermoregulation in Honey Bees, Part 1 Frédéric Eggers de Villepin – 1299 Honey Bee Health: What Do Veterinarians Have to Do with It? Breven Stark – 1309 The Status of Our Industry Regarding Varroa Management — Part 3: Reading the Fine Print Randy Oliver – 1317 Trapouts — The Math Doesn’t Work Richard Dunnagan – …
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“Probably the biggest snowflakes I’ve ever seen.” Our cover photo was taken last January by Chris Stombaugh of Brookston, Indiana. “I went out to check the landing boards for accumulation and as I walked back to the house I turned to look at the hives. It was a gorgeous sight, with the trees, hives, and …
Read More Q Two quick questions 1) In this extreme heat we are having, what is the best way to ventilate my beehive? 2) What plants can I plant to have a continuous nectar flow? Is this even possible? James Walker Alabama, August A For your first question, I would worry less about ventilation and more about …
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Suzanne and I arrived home on a hot afternoon finishing a long drive this past summer. After carrying in the heavy loads from the car to the house, I walked the hive rows of my main research apiary by the bee house. We had only been away for one night. For me though with bees, …
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- C.P. Dadant, Editor of ABJ 1912-1938
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