February 2026

This text chronicles the history and management of Varroa mites within Ontario’s beekeeping industry since their initial discovery in 1991. The author outlines a cycle of chemical resistance, noting how early synthetic treatments like Apistan and Checkmite+ lost efficacy over time. To combat this, the industry has transitioned toward a diversified rotation strategy that incorporates synthetic strips alongside organic acids…

Research conducted by Alberta Agriculture and Forestry suggests that beekeepers can increase their total earnings by harvesting pollen during hybrid canola seed production. While the use of collection traps reduces the amount of honey a colony produces, the high market value of the gathered pollen more than compensates for this loss. The study found that short-term trapping during peak flowering…

This text details a cost-effective technique for expanding an apiary by creating a vertical colony split using a specialized division board. By placing a new brood box directly above an existing hive, beekeepers can utilize the residual heat from the stronger colony to support the development of a new one. The process involves isolating a queenless subset of bees with…

What happens when an entire city gets sick? We're diving into the National Bee Diagnostic Center to uncover the critical health of our hives. Their well-being is directly linked to our food supply and ecosystem. #BeeHealth #Pollinators #Ecosystem #SaveTheBees #HiveMind #honeybees #valleybeekeeping http://www.valleybeekeeping.com

Meet the varroa mite, a tiny pest posing an existential threat to honeybee colonies. This external parasite hides in brood cells, multiplying rapidly as winter approaches, overwhelming bees when they're most vulnerable. Discover the conflict and shared goal of beekeepers. #Beekeeping #VarroaMite #SaveTheBees #PestManagement #Ecosystem #honeybees #valleybeekeeping http://www.valleybeekeeping.com

Ever wonder what people drank before wine or beer? It was mead! Fermenting honey with water creates this ancient alcoholic beverage. Now, beekeepers use a modern problem—leftover honey rinse water—to create a delicious, valuable solution, turning a challenge into an ancient tradition. #Mead #AncientDrinks #HoneyWine #Beekeeping #History #DIY #honeybees #valleybeekeeping http://www.valleybeekeeping.com

This text outlines the various methods beekeepers use to evaluate the strength and health of a honeybee colony. While scientific research often utilizes objective digital software to count bees and brood precisely, most beekeepers rely on subjective visual assessments that are faster and less intrusive. Evaluating a hive requires looking past external signs like sound or entrance activity to perform…

In this guide, Emily Mills outlines how beekeepers can transition from manual methods to more efficient honey extraction systems. She emphasizes that purchasing powered extractors is a vital long-term investment, as these machines save significant labor compared to hand-cranked models. The text explains the technical differences between radial and tangential frame placement, noting that radial units are superior because they…

This number is your secret weapon for small batch retail sales. Containers 150 grams or less are exempt from listing grade, color, or net weight. Perfect for samples or gift jars! Go over 150 grams, and it gets more specific. #RetailTips #SmallBusiness #SalesStrategy #ProductPackaging #honeybees #valleybeekeeping http://www.valleybeekeeping.com