November 20, 2023

What can be learned during varroa’s establishment in Australia? I just moved to Australia for a year-long sabbatical. (Yes, it’s a major perk of being an academic researcher!) Given my current location, it probably isn’t surprising that my email in-box is filled with people asking what I’ve learned so far about “the varroa situation.” If you don’t already know, until…

Suzanne and I arrived home on a hot afternoon finishing a long drive this past summer. After carrying in the heavy loads from the car to the house, I walked the hive rows of my main research apiary by the bee house. We had only been away for one night. For me though with bees, that absence can be close…

Q  Two quick questions  1)  In this extreme heat we are having, what is the best way to ventilate my beehive? 2)  What plants can I plant to have a continuous nectar flow? Is this even possible? James Walker Alabama, August A For your first question, I would worry less about ventilation and more about hive placement in full sun…

I begin this tirade with a disclaimer: I am not a doctor, nor do I have allergies. However, that has never stopped me from having an opinion. Much like a hornet casing a beehive, I like to scrutinize senseless bits of conventional wisdom. And like the hornet, I keep searching for a back door, a crack, a way to bring…

It might look like fall to you, with tree lines flashing flamboyant hues and pumpkin spice in the air. But if you take your cues from the stores where you shop, it could very well be Christmastime. I never mind being pushed several weeks into the future by jingle bells in the shopping aisles, or dazzling Christmas commercials on the…