August 5, 2026

Honey bees create propolis by gathering sticky resins from the buds and bark of various trees, such as poplars, birches, and pines. These forager bees transport the raw material back to the colony in their pollen baskets before mixing it with wax and enzymes to create a functional sealant. Within the hive, this substance serves as a natural defense that…

The small hive beetle quarantine is lifted, meaning it's now endemic. This requires a strategic shift for beekeepers. Don't panic over SHB; it's a minor pest compared to varroa mites or foulbrood. Focus your resources on true colony killers. Follow Ontario's 5 best management practices to suppress beetles and prioritize varroa control for colony survival. #beekeeping #smallhivebeetle #varroamites #apiary #pestmanagement…