Articles

Queen Rearing – Using a Cloake Board © Ceracell Beekeeping Supplies (NZ) LtdIntroductionIn their natural state, bees will rear new queens basically in three situations: 1. In preparation for swarming where the incumbent queen will leave the hive taking a proportion of the existing bees with her and leaving the rest to a new queen. 2. In an emergency where the queen has suddenly disappeared, died or been killed.3. In a supersedure where the que… Read more

What a great story! I bought this book because I keep bees and the way Manuka honey has blossomed from a second-class honey to the international medical wonder it is, has fascinated me. I wasn’t disappointed. It is told much like a mystery-drama in such an easy to read down-to-earth style that I found I was drawn to read and read on. Not only is it a story about Manuka honey but also a story about the history of bees and humans from antiquit… Read more

Due to the loss of a hive in March, I was down to one hive, and that one headed by a swarm queen at least two years old. I was planning to requeen and do a split as well, so I would be back to two hives. But procrastination left the call to the queen suppliers a bit late, and there weren’t any queens readily available.I did notice that the hive (Hive 1) wintered very well, and in late August was showing serious signs of wanting to swarm. But w… Read more

I have been keeping bees for just two years now. One does try to pick up some pointers from more experienced beekeepers, but there is nothing like experience to teach you about the craft. One lesson I learned at the expense of a hive was how quickly things can happen. On the 31st of March I did a full disease inspection of my two hives. I had last inspected the hives about 6 weeks prior to this time. Both hives were headed by swarm queens whi… Read more

Your Friend the “Smoker”Even though this is not a form of protective clothing, your smoker is one of the most important protections against the stinging bee. Fuel for your smoker always seems to be an issue. Any material that will give a clean, non-toxic cool smoke will do. Ones most often used are dry pine needles, hay, wood shavings or pellets, shredded egg cartons, rolled up cardboard, rolled up old cotton towels, or my favourite, hessian sa… Read more

Here, we discuss the various activities beekeepers can think about each month. This can help you plan out what you need in advance so you aren't left bewildered or stuck without vital equipment to keep your bees buzzing. This guide goes through each month looking at the different things to watch out for, or what you can expect, when inspecting your hive. We then discuss the tasks that can be carried out that month so you can better prepare. … Read more