Discover when and why to use pollen substitute patties to stimulate brood rearing, accelerate colony growth, and ensure hive health during pollen scarcity.
Discover when to use pollen feeders for maximum hive health. Learn key timings for spring buildup and fall preparation to support your colony's growth.
Learn why pollen is critical for honey bee brood development, queen egg-laying, and colony survival. Essential reading for beekeepers and pollinator supporters.
Learn when and why bee colonies accept pollen substitutes. Maximize hive health and productivity by understanding pollen dearths and natural foraging behavior.
Learn the correct method to place a pollen substitute in a hive for maximum colony benefit, focusing on placement over the brood nest to aid nurse bees.
Learn the critical steps for mixing pollen substitute, from assessing need and achieving the right consistency to proper hive placement and pest management.
Explore the strategic choice between protein patties and dry pollen feeding for your apiary, focusing on nutritional control, disease prevention, and brood stimulation.
Discover the two most popular honey bee feeders: frame feeders and bucket feeders. Learn the pros, cons, and best uses for each to feed your colony effectively.
Learn the correct initial feed amount for new bee colonies (1-3L of 1:1 syrup) to stimulate comb building and brood rearing for rapid self-sufficiency.
Learn the Mountain Camp method for feeding dry sugar to bees. Discover when and how to use this technique for winter starvation prevention in healthy colonies.
Learn why open feeding sugar to bees attracts robbing, spreads disease, and wastes resources. Discover safe, in-hive feeding methods to protect your colony.
Learn the critical safety rules for feeding honey to bees, including disease prevention, safe sourcing, and proper in-hive feeding methods to protect your colony.
Discover why honey bees store honey as a critical survival food source for winter, nectar dearths, and colony growth. Learn the key to hive resilience.
Discover the pros and cons of frame feeders, top feeders, and entrance feeders for beekeeping. Learn how to choose the right method to prevent robbing and drowning.
Learn the difference between pollen patties and dry powder for feeding bees, including when to use each for optimal brood stimulation or nutritional support.
Discover the essential Tools for Varroa Management guide for accurate monitoring, action thresholds, and effective treatment strategies to protect your hives.
Learn the critical advice for proactive Varroa mite management: regular monitoring, early spring checks, and data-driven treatment to prevent colony loss.
Learn the critical seasonal dynamics between Varroa mites and honey bees. Discover why late summer is the key window for treatment to prevent colony collapse.
Learn the critical 3% Varroa mite action threshold. Discover why it's essential for preventing colony collapse and how to accurately measure infestation rates.
Learn to prevent robbing in your apiary with strategic feeding, entrance reducers, and efficient hive inspections. Protect your colonies from devastating attacks.
Learn the key triggers of bee robbing, including nectar dearths, strong colonies, and weak hives, and discover effective prevention strategies for your apiary.
Learn the key symptoms of Varroa Mite Syndrome (VMS), including a dwindling bee population, spotty brood pattern, and visible mites, to protect your apiary.
Learn the critical steps for a Stage 4 or 5 mite-damaged bee colony: assess viability, prevent robbing, and decide between emergency treatment or humane euthanization.
Learn what phoretic mites are, their preferred hiding spots on bees, and why their presence signals a critical Varroa mite infestation that requires immediate action.
VMS is the fatal collapse of a bee colony from severe Varroa mite infestation and viral epidemics. Learn to identify the signs and focus on prevention.
Learn the 4 key Varroa mite monitoring methods: alcohol wash, sugar roll, CO2 injection, and sticky board. Compare accuracy and make informed treatment decisions.