Beekeeping Q&A
Our Beekeeping Q&A covers topics of curiosity to beekeepers. While we answer these questions in a succinct and easy-to-absorb style, we also provide links for further reading to help you drill down on each question.
Are dead bees at a beehive’s entrance normal?
As with many things in beekeeping, seeing dead bees at your hive’s entrance can be normal, but it can also be a big concern, especially...
January 29, 2025
Do bees need water in the winter?
Honeybees do require some water in the winter months, but because they must stay inside their cluster to survive, they are unable to forage* for...
January 28, 2025
Do my beehives need added insulation?
Though manmade beehives are designed to come as close as possible to a natural environment for a honeybee colony, like that of the inside a...
January 28, 2025
What are the biggest threats to honeybees in the winter?
Overall, the main threats to a honeybee colony clustering its way through winter are cold temperatures, lack of sufficient food stores, and colonies, especially small...
January 27, 2025
Why is condensation in a beehive dangerous?
If a honeybee colony's cluster is disrupted by condensation during very cold weather, the bees within can no longer regulate their body temperatures. They may be...
January 24, 2025
How do honeybees make beeswax?
Worker honeybees aged 6-12 days are the primary beeswax generators in a beehive, they are the only bees with the specialized glands needed to produce...
January 24, 2025
What temperature is too cold for honeybees?
Though honeybees are truly amazing animals, they are also cold-blooded insects and as such, their bodies can’t handle extremely cold temperatures. In the winter months,...
January 23, 2025
Do I need permission to start beekeeping?
Beekeeping laws and regulations exist to ensure honeybee populations stay healthy and that beekeepers remain well-informed and responsible. They may vary, though, depending on where...
January 22, 2025
What is a “Candy Board”?
Candy boards are a supplemental emergency food for your bees during the winter months. As they eat through their stored resources, candy boards can provide...
January 21, 2025
Can I be a beekeeper if I’m allergic?
Beekeeping with an allergy can be risky, but if the right precautions are taken, it’s still possible for those with an allergy to safely enjoy beekeeping. Educate...
January 20, 2025
Why do bees buzz?
Bees emit that famous “buzz” sound for a variety of reasons. As bees flap their wings (up to 11,400 times per minute!), the use of...
January 20, 2025
What are “Winter Bees”?
“Winter Bees” are a generation of honeybees born in the late summer or early fall months that are designed specifically to survive the winter months....
January 17, 2025
Can I check on my bees during cold weather?
Checking on your bees can be done during the colder months, but not in the same way you’d check them during a spring or summer...
January 16, 2025
Where do bees go to the bathroom?
During warmer months, honeybees typically relieve themselves while they are out foraging for resources, usually quite far from the hive. In the winter, however, you...
January 15, 2025
What is the best time of year to start beekeeping?
The return of warmer weather with Spring marks the ideal time for bees to start a new colony and, therefore, a wonderful time to start...
January 14, 2025
Where can I obtain bees for a beehive?
There are three main ways to obtain your bees: A nucleus colony (also called a “nuc”) is preferred by many new beekeepers and can be...
January 13, 2025
Do honeybees hibernate?
Bees do not hibernate in the winter. Instead, they use a combination of tactics to get them through the cold winter months, including...The most important...
January 5, 2025