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HoneyBee School & Supply

Resources

Flow Hives

The Flow Hive is a type of beehive that is designed to make it easier for beekeepers to harvest honey. It consists of a series of plastic frames that are filled with wax cells, which the bees use to store honey. The frames are designed to allow the honey to flow out of the cells and into a collection tray when the beekeeper turns a valve, eliminating the need to open the hive and extract the honey by hand. One advantage of the Flow Hive is that it allows the beekeeper to harvest honey without disturbing the bees or exposing themselves to the risk of being stung. This c...

Is it difficult to learn to become a beekeeper?

Backyard beekeeping can be a rewarding hobby, but it does require some knowledge and skills to be successful. Learning about bees and how to care for them can be a challenging process, but with the right resources and guidance, it is possible to become proficient at backyard beekeeping. Here are a few things to consider when learning about backyard beekeeping: Research: It is important to educate yourself about bees and beekeeping before getting started. This can include reading books, attending classes or workshops, and joining a beekeeping club or association. Equip...

Is Beeswax Edible?

Yes, beeswax is edible and is used in a variety of food and non-food products. Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honeybees to build the cells of the hive’s comb. It is secreted by glands on the underside of the bees’ abdomen and is used to construct the honeycomb, which serves as a storage area for honey, pollen, and eggs. Beeswax is composed of a mixture of long-chain fatty acids, alcohols, and esters, and has a natural honey-like aroma. It is edible and has a slightly sweet taste. Beeswax is used in a variety of food and non-food products, including: ...

Is Beekeeping for Kids?

Yes, kids can definitely participate in beekeeping, as long as they are supervised by an adult and have received proper training and instruction. Beekeeping can be a rewarding and educational activity for kids, as it provides an opportunity to learn about the biology and behavior of honeybees and the important role they play in the environment. If you are interested in getting your kids involved in beekeeping, there are a few things you should consider: Safety: Beekeeping can be a potentially dangerous activity, as bees can sting if they feel threatened. It is importa...

Beekeeping in Humid Climates

Honeybees are adapted to living in a specific range of humidity levels, and changes in humidity can impact their health and productivity. In general, honeybees prefer a relative humidity of around 50% in their hive. At this level, the bees are able to maintain their hive at a comfortable temperature and can easily move around and access the honey and pollen stores. If the humidity in the hive is too low, the bees may have difficulty maintaining their hive at the optimal temperature, which can affect their metabolism and overall health. Low humidity can also cause the b...

Myth or Truth: Bees Can Protect Themselves from Pooh!

Bees are relatively small and vulnerable to predators, so they have developed a number of behaviors and adaptations to help protect themselves and their hive. Some of the ways that honeybees protect themselves and their hive from bears and other predators include: Guard bees: Honeybees have a group of workers known as guard bees that are responsible for protecting the hive. These bees will fly out to investigate potential threats and may attempt to deter or attack any animals or humans that approach the hive. Alarm pheromones: When a bee senses a threat, it will relea...

Beekeeping Classes in New York

Beekeeping is a popular hobby in New York, and there are many resources available to help new beekeepers get started. To get started with beekeeping in New York, you should first familiarize yourself with the local laws and regulations regarding beekeeping. In New York, beekeeping is regulated by the state Department of Agriculture and Markets, which has specific guidelines for maintaining bees in the state. You may also need to obtain a permit from your local government in order to keep bees on your property. Once you have obtained the necessary permits and familiariz...

Truth or Myth: All Honey is Organic

No, not all honey is organic. Organic honey is produced using organic farming practices, which are designed to minimize the use of synthetic chemicals and to support the health and well-being of the bees. Organic honey is also produced in accordance with specific standards set by the USDA National Organic Program (NOP). To be certified as organic, honey must be produced using organic practices and must meet the following criteria: The bees must be fed a diet that is primarily composed of organic sources of nectar and pollen. The bees must be kept in hives that are mad...

Urban Beekeeping . . . Possible or not?

Yes, it is possible to do backyard beekeeping in an urban environment. However, there are a few factors that you should consider before starting a hive in an urban setting. First, check the local laws and regulations regarding beekeeping. Some cities have specific ordinances that regulate or prohibit beekeeping within city limits. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these laws and obtain any necessary permits before starting a hive. Second, consider the size of your property and the availability of forage for the bees. Bees need a source of nectar and pol...

Beekeeping Lessons: The Role of Pollen

Pollen plays a vital role in the diet and reproductive success of bees. Pollen is a fine, powdery substance that is produced by flowers and is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Bees collect pollen from flowers and bring it back to the hive, where they use it as a food source and to produce honey. In addition to providing a source of nutrition, pollen also plays a key role in the reproductive success of bees. Pollen is the main source of protein for developing bees, and it is essential for the proper growth and development of the hive. Pollen is also necessary f...