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What Type of Wood Is Best for Beehives?
What Type of Wood Is Best for Beehives?
When choosing a beehive, most beekeepers think about the hive style, size, and price. But there is another decision that matters just as much: what the hive is made of. For... Read more...
What Is the Best Beehive for a Beginner?
Choosing your first beehive can feel confusing. There are Langstroth hives, top-bar hives, Warre hives, and other designs. For most new beekeepers, however, the Langstroth hive is the best place to start. It is widely used, easy to expand, and built around removable frames that make it easier to inspect the colony, manage brood, monitor pests, and harvest honey. University of Missouri Extension also recommends an 8- or 10-frame Langstroth hive for beginning beekeepers. But why is the Langstroth beehive such a good choice for beginners? Why Choose a Langstroth... Read more...
What Are Summer Bees?
Most honey bees do not live for the same amount of time. A worker bee born during the busy summer season usually lives only about 4 to 6 weeks. A worker bee born later in the year may live for several months. This is why beekeepers sometimes talk about summer bees and winter bees. So, what are summer bees? Summer bees are worker honey bees produced during the colony's active season. They are part of the large, fast-moving workforce that keeps the hive growing, fed, and productive during spring and... Read more...
Can I Start a Beehive in Summer? What Beginners Need to Know
Many new beekeepers ask: “Is summer too late to start a beehive?” The answer is no — you can start a beehive in summer. However, starting in summer is different from starting in spring. Your first goal should not be harvesting honey. Your goal is to help the colony build strength before the next season. Summer Can Be a Good Time to Start Beekeeping Warm weather gives bees several advantages: Bees can build comb quickly The queen can continue laying eggs New workers can develop faster Nectar and pollen may... Read more...
How to Keep a Beehive Cool in Summer: What Really Works
Summer heat can make a new beekeeper nervous. You may walk outside on a hot afternoon and see hundreds of bees hanging around the entrance. The first thought is often: “Is my hive too hot?” Usually, bees are better at managing heat than we give them credit for. But extreme heat can still create problems, especially when a colony is crowded, the hive has poor airflow, or there is no reliable water nearby. The goal is not to make the hive cold. The goal is to give the bees the... Read more...
What Is the Lifespan of a Summer Bee? Understanding the Life Cycle of Honey Bees
Many beginner beekeepers are surprised to learn that honey bees do not all live the same amount of time. A worker bee’s lifespan depends greatly on the season, its role inside the colony, and the amount of work it performs. So, what is the lifespan of a summer bee? The answer is: a typical summer worker bee lives about 4 to 6 weeks. Although this may seem short, summer bees spend their entire lives supporting the colony during the busiest and most demanding time of the year. Why Do Summer... Read more...
What Is the Difference Between Winter Bees and Summer Bees?
Many new beekeepers are surprised to learn that honey bees are not all the same throughout the year. A colony produces different types of worker bees depending on the season. Summer bees and winter bees have different lifespans, different roles, and different abilities to help the colony survive. Understanding the difference between them can help beekeepers better manage their hives and prepare colonies for seasonal changes. Summer Bees: The Busy Workers of the Colony Summer bees are the worker bees we usually imagine when we think about a hive. During... Read more...
Can I Start a Beehive in Summer? What Beginners Need to Know Before Starting
Many new beekeepers ask the same question: “Is summer too late to start a beehive?” The answer is: No, you can start beekeeping in summer. Although spring is usually considered the best time to begin, summer can still be a successful starting point if you understand the challenges and prepare your hive correctly. The key is not the season—it is whether your colony has enough time, space, and support to become strong. Is Summer a Good Time to Start Beekeeping? Starting a hive in summer has both advantages and challenges.... Read more...
Why Bees Get Aggressive in July (And What Beekeepers Should Do)
July is one of the most active and intense months in beekeeping. Many beekeepers notice the same thing every year: bees seem more defensive, more crowded, and harder to manage. This is not random behavior. It is a direct result of peak colony population, high heat, and maximum nectar flow. Understanding why this happens is key to preventing swarming and keeping your hive stable. 1. The Hive Is at Maximum Population By mid-summer, a healthy colony reaches its largest size of the year. This creates: Higher hive density More competition for... Read more...
Do Bees Sleep at Night? The Truth About Honey Bee Rest and Activity
If you've ever watched a busy hive during the day, you may have wondered: Do bees sleep at night? The answer is yes—bees do sleep, although not in the same way humans do. Honey bees have periods of rest that are essential for learning, memory, navigation, and overall colony health. Understanding how bees sleep can help beekeepers better understand colony behavior and why healthy hive conditions are so important. Do Honey Bees Actually Sleep? Scientists have discovered that honey bees experience sleep-like states similar to other animals. During sleep, bees typically:... Read more...
Can Bees Hear Human Voices?
Many people who keep bees eventually ask the same question: Can bees hear human voices? If you've ever talked to your hive during an inspection, you may have wondered whether the bees can actually hear you—or if they're simply reacting to your presence. The short answer is not in the same way humans do. Honey bees do not have ears like mammals, but they can detect vibrations and certain sound frequencies through specialized sensory organs. Let's take a closer look at how bees perceive sound and what that means for beekeepers.... Read more...
What Smells Do Bumblebees Hate? A Complete Guide for Gardeners and Beekeepers
Bumblebees are some of the most important pollinators in the world, helping flowers, fruits, and vegetables thrive. While these insects are generally gentle and beneficial, many homeowners and gardeners wonder: What smells do bumblebees hate? The answer is that certain strong scents can interfere with a bumblebee's ability to navigate, communicate, and locate food sources. Understanding these smells can help you manage bee activity responsibly without harming pollinators. Do Bumblebees Actually Hate Certain Smells? Bumblebees rely heavily on their sense of smell. They use scent to: Find flowers Locate their nest... Read more...