February 2026

Moving beehives requires careful planning to ensure colony safety and prevent overheating through adequate ventilation. When transporting bees during the day, it is essential to seal entrances with foam or mesh while using screened components to maintain airflow. For nocturnal moves, keep the truck engine running to calm the bees with vibrations and use red lighting since they cannot perceive…

This guide details the essential techniques for harvesting honey during the summer and autumn seasons. Beekeepers must first verify that honeycomb cells are capped with wax, signaling that the nectar is mature and ready for collection. The tutorial highlights three primary ways to clear insects from the frames: using a flicking brush motion, installing a one-way escape board, or utilizing…

This text reviews a comprehensive guidebook written by Marina Marchese and Kim Flottum that explores the sophisticated world of monofloral honeys. The authors treat honey with the same level of detail as fine wine, explaining how regional environmental factors influence the distinct flavors and scents of different varietals. Readers are introduced to over thirty specific honey types, receiving detailed information…

This text recounts the firsthand experience of a multi-generational beekeeping family in Ontario dealing with the first confirmed infestation of small hive beetles. The author describes the stringent quarantine measures and operational shifts required to manage the spread of this invasive pest within their commercial honey production. Government researchers and the family collaborated on various intervention methods, concluding that traditional…

Making beeswax candles is incredibly forgiving. If a candle cracks or has an air bubble, just melt it down and start over. There are no permanent mistakes in this ancient and awesome craft. What timeless light are you ready to create? #BeeswaxCandles #CandleMaking #DIYCrafts #HomeDecor #AncientCraft http://www.valleybeekeeping.com

This video dives into the WHO's controversial classification of honey as a 'free sugar,' sparking debate over whether it belongs in the same category as unhealthy, processed sugars. Is this classification fair? #HoneyDebate #FreeSugars #WHO #HealthyEating #NutritionFacts #FoodControversy http://www.valleybeekeeping.com

A simple question sparks a deep dive into honey bee behavior. Is it possible for a worker bee to physically move an egg within the hive? The answer is more complicated and fascinating than bee experts initially thought. #HoneyBees #BeeMystery #InsectBehavior #BeeExperts #Science http://www.valleybeekeeping.com

You picture sunny days and honey harvests, but beekeeping is a year-long partnership with nature. It's a constant cycle of watching, preparing, and reacting, anticipating the bees' needs, even before they do. It all starts in the dead quiet of winter. #Beekeeping #Honeybees #Nature #Winter #Partnership http://www.valleybeekeeping.com

The secret to calibrating your refractometer might already be in your kitchen! Use cold-pressed, extra-virgin olive oil for a stable and reliable benchmark. Get that perfect 18% moisture reading for high-quality honey every time. Avoid fermentation and ruined batches! #HoneyTips #Beekeeping #Refractometer #HoneyMoisture #DIY #OliveOil http://www.valleybeekeeping.com

While some historical reports claim honey bees lack the physical ability to transport their young, modern expert observations suggest otherwise. Research indicates that worker bees likely relocate eggs and larvae during specific situations, such as when a colony is queenless or when a queen is restricted by a cage. Several studies have documented the appearance of brood in empty cells…