World Bee Day! An important day to remember and celebrate our favourite pollinators
Where bees, blooms, and bounty flourish
Bees are some of the most fascinating and important creatures on the planet. Whether you’re a backyard gardener, a hobby beekeeper, or just someone who enjoys a spoonful of honey…
Bees exhibit remarkable and unusual traits beyond their role in honey production and pollination. With a sense of smell far superior to dogs, they communicate through pheromones and carry static electricity. They evolved from wasps and possess complex intelligence despite their tiny brains. These unique qualities underscore their vital importance in ecosystems.
The first quarter involved waiting and planning amidst mixed weather, with some rainfall relieving pressure on dams. Progress included organizing orchard fencing, preparing soil, and transporting trees. Beekeeping has shown healthy activity and honey production. Overall, the focus was on groundwork and preparation for future planting and production.
Autumn is crucial for beekeepers as it prepares hives for winter survival. During this season, beekeepers must ensure adequate honey stores, monitor for pests and diseases, and maintain hive equipment. Reduced activity and changes in bee behavior signify the shift towards conservation. Proper autumn care sets the stage for healthy colonies in spring.
Practical heatwave tips for Australian beekeepers Heatwaves are becoming more common across Australia, and while honeybees are incredibly resilient, extreme and prolonged heat can place serious stress on a hive.…
When a hive lacks a queen, panic is common, but understanding natural resilience helps. Observation is crucial for identifying egg presence, and interventions can mimic nature’s solutions: raising a new queen, introducing a mated queen, or merging colonies. Minimal disturbance and careful monitoring of the colony’s behavior support recovery.
Discovering that your hive has a laying worker can be alarming. Sometimes you wont even notice until its too late! Unlike a normal colony with a queen, a hive with…
Varroa destructor is a damaging mite affecting honeybee populations globally. It weakens colonies and spreads viruses. Beekeepers monitor mite levels using sugar shakes or alcohol washes and employ organic control methods like drone brood removal and essential oils. Integrated Pest Management is vital, promoting colony health through diverse forage and good hive practices.
Harvesting honey is one of the most rewarding parts of beekeeping, but timing is everything. Taking honey too early can weaken your colony and result in unripe honey that ferments,…