Harvesting propolis does not harm bees if approached with care. Its volatile nature ensures that bees are constantly replenishing it, and beekeepers can safely collect surplus from seasonal honey supers or traps. By respecting the brood nest and winter stores, we can enjoy the benefits of propolis while allowing bees to maintain the powerful natural defenses that underpin their health.
More
Does Harvesting Propolis Harm Bees?
How to Choose the Right Wick for Beeswax Candles
When making beeswax candles, wick choice is everything. This practical guide explains how to choose the right wick for beeswax candles, how to test them for a clean, even burn, and why proper wick care makes all the difference.
More
What Is Mad Honey – and Do Bees Make It in Ireland?
Mad honey is a rare toxic honey made when bees forage on rhododendron nectar containing natural grayanotoxins. Found mainly in Turkey and Nepal, it can cause poisoning.
More
Artificial Bee Food: Solution or Symptom of a Failing System?
Scientists have developed artificial superfood for bees, said to contain everything they need to survive so that they don’t have to rely on pollen for colony survival. In normal circumstances, without pollen, honeybees cannot produce brood food to feed the larvae, but what will this development have for the future?
More
BEEKEEPING TIP: What to do With Old Brood Frames
Go through every box of frames and scrape the propolis of the lugs. Assess each frame and place in the appropriate pile. Frames that belong in the good pile are those that can be put straight into a hive next season, both foundation and drawn comb…
More
BEEKEEPING TIP: How to Set up a Colony for Ivy Honey Production
Ivy honey is great. If you can get it. It’s also a pain in the backside because it granulates in the comb and takes forever to process due to its high glucose content. But for sore throats, coughs and respiratory health, it’s absolute dynamite! In this practical blog, we’ll look at how best to set …
More
Why are Bees Attracted to Swimming Pools?
If you have an outdoor swimming pool, chances are you often find bees in it, either dead, or barely alive struggling on the surface of the water. They may be a nuisance to you or your family, buzzing around as you’re enjoying a swim. There might even be other water sources nearby, but it is your pool that seems the most attractive option for bees looking for water. Let’s explore why this is…
More
Queen Rearing for Beginners – Breeding Quality Queens
Queen rearing is something that all beekeepers should do as part of summer management. The benefits of raising our own queens far outweigh the effort we put into it. Here is how to do it if you want to give it a go!
More
How to Get Your Bees to Draw Comb
Drawn comb is gold dust to beekeepers. Frustratingly, it is sometimes as difficult to obtain as it is valuable. In this extensive article, originally published in the Irish Beekeeper’s Magazine, An Beachaire, we will look at comb and discuss how best to get the bees to build it.
More