Learn how a solid bottom board shields your hive from drafts, retains heat, and supports colony survival. Compare its pros and cons vs. screened boards.
Discover the key features of a professional bee smoker: welded stainless steel body, protective heat cage, optimal airflow, and hive hook for safety and efficiency.
Discover the 3 essential items every beekeeper needs for safety and control: protective veil, hive tool, and bee smoker. Learn how to build a complete apiary kit.
Learn how beekeepers use Cypress Screened Bottom Boards as a platform for external feeders, containing spills, and maintaining hive hygiene during feeding operations.
Discover the fully assembled Cypress Screened Bottom Board for Varroa mite monitoring and hive ventilation. No assembly required, ready for 8 & 10-frame hives.
Discover how the Cypress Screened Bottom Board aids Varroa mite management, improves hive ventilation, and serves as a key tool for modern beekeeping IPM strategies.
Learn the correct technique to fill and use a beehive smoker for cool, calming smoke. Avoid common mistakes and keep your colony docile during inspections.
Learn how screened bottom boards help manage Varroa mites & other pests via passive removal, improved ventilation, and accurate mite drop counts for beekeepers.
Discover how screened bottom boards improve Langstroth hive health with better ventilation for climate control and effective, non-chemical Varroa mite management.
Learn how hive type (Langstroth, Top Bar, Warre) dictates bottom board choice for optimal bee health, ventilation, insulation, and Varroa mite management.
Discover the best fuels for your bee smoker, including natural materials like pine needles and burlap, and learn what to avoid to keep your bees safe and docile.
Learn about the core components of a bee smoker, including the fire chamber, bellows, and spout, plus essential safety features for effective beekeeping.
Discover the key benefits of starting with a nucleus hive vs. a package, including a proven queen, drawn comb, and faster colony growth for beekeepers.
Learn the critical role of the queen bee in a nuc vs. a package. Understand the risks of queen rejection and the advantages of a proven, accepted queen.
Discover the complete equipment list for installing a nucleus hive, including hive components, protective gear, and tools for a smooth, successful setup.
Learn the essential steps for installing a nucleus hive, from preparation and timing to frame transfer and post-installation care for a thriving colony.
Learn why checking for eggs is critical for confirming queen acceptance, assessing colony health, and predicting future hive productivity in beekeeping.
Learn why feeding a new nucleus hive is critical for comb building, queen stimulation, and colony success. Discover best practices for sugar syrup feeding.
Learn the key techniques to manage aggressive bees during installation, including using a smoker, wearing protective gear, and maintaining calm, deliberate movements.
Learn how to identify a quality queen bee by her brood pattern. A solid, dense pattern is the definitive sign of a healthy, productive queen for your apiary.
Learn the proper feeding strategy for new bee colonies using 1:1 sugar syrup to stimulate wax production and brood rearing for a strong, self-sufficient hive.
Learn the 3 essential post-installation tasks for a nucleus hive: feeding, queen verification, and space management to prevent swarming and ensure rapid growth.
Learn the critical steps to secure your new hive after a frame transfer, including using an entrance reducer and providing food to ensure colony success.
Learn the key factors for choosing a hive location: sunlight, wind protection, water source, and safety. Optimize for colony health and beekeeper accessibility.
Learn the proper steps to install a nucleus hive, from preparation to frame transfer, ensuring a low-stress transition for your bees and rapid colony growth.
Learn the best practices for storing a nuc hive before installation, including placement, temperature control, and minimizing bee stress for a healthy colony.
Learn essential steps for safely transporting a nucleus hive, from proper gear and handling to preventing overheating and ensuring a calm colony transfer.