Hive News
I wanted to create a newsletter called “Inside the Hive”. The idea is to show you what goes on inside the hive as many people don’t get the opportunity to […]
Hive News
Inside the Hive
On Sunday, April 12, 2026, we performed our first colony inspection of the season. I was able to unwrap all of the hives and do a pretty thorough inspection of
Bee Pests & Diseases
Tropilaelaps (Tropi) Mites
As of the writing of this post in early 2026, Tropilaelaps (tropi) mites are not in North America. As a beekeeper, these are terrifying pests. Varroa is bad enough. It’s
Bee Pests & Diseases
Tracheal Mite
Parasitic mites that affect the breathing tube (tracheae) of adult honey bees, cause colony loss. Difficult to diagnose, there are a few symptoms that are visible.
Bee Pests & Diseases
Ants, Spiders and earwigs
It may seem like these better known pests wouldn’t be much of a problem for a strong, healthy honeybee colony. Especially in comparison to the varroa mite. Ants will loot
Honey and Wax
What is Honey?
WARNING: Do not feed honey to infants under 1 year old, no matter if it is raw or pasteurized. Botulism is a risk that babies cannot fight. It’s a collection
Bee Pests & Diseases
Nosema, Sacbrood, chalkbrood
Nosema Nosema apis, a microscopic fungus that affects honeybee colonies. It is very serious, causing losses in autumn and spring. It can be treated with antibiotic – fumagillin – obtained
Garden & Growing
Annuals & Perennials
Annual Flowers Annuals are flowers that must be replanted each year. Not all annuals are the same. Cool-season hardy annuals prefer cooler weather and can tolerate light frost, while warm-season
Garden & Growing
Woodies & Foliage
Woodies & foliage provide year-round interest not only in the garden, but in your vase too. They may be bare, leafy, or flowering, adding structure to any arrangement. With the
Bee Pests & Diseases
Yellow Jackets, Wasps & Hornets
Yellow Jackets Much like a honeybee, a yellow jacket can sting except she can sting multiple times unlike a honeybee. Yellow jackets are actually wasps and while they are beneficial