Soy vs beeswax candles… What is the better option? With the cold winter season upon us, there is nothing as cozy as a warm fire crackling and candles burning. According to the National Candle Association, retail sales of candle products are estimated at around $3.14 billion annually in the United States alone. (Source: Mintel, 2013)….
Honey bee pests, predators, and diseases are a constant threat to the survival of different types of bees. Bees are important pollinators and a vital part of the ecosystem. European honeybees like the A. Mellifera and other different types of bees play a crucial role in agriculture. Without bees, human beings would not be able…
First aid for bees may sound strange, but as cities have fewer green areas and flowers, spotting exhausted bees in parks or on the side of the road is not an uncommon sight. The bees are tired and lack energy because many cities have an insufficient diversity of plants for the bees to forage. Bees…
How can you identify the difference between bearding and swarming? Given that both events can look very similar, it can sometimes be difficult to understand the difference. Here’s a quick explanation of both bearding and swarming, as well as how to tell them apart. What is bearding? A beehive needs a stable temperature of 95…
Knowing honeybee activity by season is a prerequisite for every beekeeper from beginner to expert. It is important to know when honey can be harvested and when bees and the hive require more attention. Autumn In September, flowers are starting to fade away and nectar becomes less abundant. This means, the bees have to adapt…
Why do bees swarm? Most of us are familiar with the term ´a swarm of bees´, but what the fascinating phenomena of swarming actually entails is a mystery to many. Reasons for Swarming There are two reasons why bees swarm. First, swarming is a natural process that happens when a beehive gets too crowded. When…
Honeybee predators are a serious threat not just to the honeybees but also to our ecosystem and ultimately to us humans. The honeybee has been around for centuries and is a vital part of our ecosystem. They play an important role in pollinating plants, which helps to produce fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, honeybees are facing…
Perga, also known as bee bread, is probably one of the lesser known bee products. It is made from fermented pollen that is mixed with honey, enzymes, and other high-value substances. How it’s Made and Harvested The bees gather pollen and compress the individual grains with their heads into a mass. The mass is then…
Did you know that bee venom (apitoxin) is a miraculous healing substance? The clear, colorless liquid contains proteins that cause a localized inflammation in most people. However, in rare cases it can lead to severe allergic reactions including anaphylactic shock and even death. Only female worker honey bees have a stinger, which is a modified…
If you want to find out all about propolis uses and benefits read on! The name comes from the Greek language and literally means pro = “at the entrance to” and polis = “city or community”. A fitting description given that bees use it to protect their hive! How is Propolis Made? Propolis is a…