Breck Demers

In 2018, Ontario beekeepers faced a catastrophic crisis as overwinter hive losses reached unprecedented levels, threatening the future of the local industry. A survey conducted by the Ontario Beekeepers’ Association revealed that nearly one-third of participants lost the vast majority of their colonies due to a combination of extreme weather and environmental stressors. The report identifies a prolonged, freezing winter…

Confusing and overwhelming online advice is harming Ontario's honeybees. Choosing science-based provincial guidance over unvetted opinions is crucial for your bees and the entire beekeeping community. Practices like 'treatment-free beekeeping' can lead to unnecessary colony loss. #Beekeeping #OntarioBees #HoneybeeHealth #PestManagement #CommunityCare #honeybees #valleybeekeeping http://www.valleybeekeeping.com

This guide explains a specialized method for transferring wild honeybees and their natural honeycomb into a standard hive setup. The author describes a process of preparing wooden frames with nails, string, and elastic bands to create a flexible support system for irregularly shaped comb. Once the bees are rescued from structures like walls or ceilings, their comb is secured within…

Hobby beekeepers, ever dreamed of raising your own queens? The biggest hurdle? Safely transporting delicate queen cells. What if a simple picnic cooler from your garage is the answer? Let's explore this game-changing technique. #Beekeeping #QueenRearing #BeeHacks #HobbyBeekeeping #Apiary #honeybees #valleybeekeeping http://www.valleybeekeeping.com

The provided text details the practical advantages of using screened bottom boards as a central tool for honey bee health and pest management. Author Ron St. Louis argues that these boards facilitate mite monitoring and improve hive ventilation while requiring minimal maintenance time. The source outlines a step-by-step process for using sticky trays to track Varroa mite levels, allowing beekeepers…

Before touching anything, find your laying queen to confirm she's in the hive. Destroying swarm cells without her presence can doom the colony. If she's gone, these cells are their only hope for a new queen. Always find her first! #Beekeeping #QueenBee #SwarmControl #HiveManagement #ProtectYourBees #honeybees #valleybeekeeping http://www.valleybeekeeping.com

A new provincial guide titled "Essential Practices for Ontario Beekeepers" has been developed through a partnership between government, academic, and industry experts. This publication establishes foundational management standards to address the rise of unreliable online advice and the risks associated with treatment-free beekeeping. Because honey bees interact with nearby colonies, the document promotes a community health approach to ensure one…

Managing your apiary's health in Ontario just got a new layer of complexity. You can no longer buy preventative antibiotics over the counter. A prescription is now required, and that means establishing a vet-client-patient relationship (VCPR). This video breaks down the 4 essential parts of a VCPR portfolio you need to present to your veterinarian to secure the treatments your…

This text explores economical methods for beekeeping enthusiasts to move developing queen cells without relying on expensive commercial equipment. Researchers from the University of Guelph tested various household items, such as coolers and hot water bottles, to find a budget-friendly way to maintain necessary temperatures during travel. The study reveals that these low-cost alternatives perform nearly as well as professional…

Tired of online beekeeping advice? Rely on science, not guesswork. This integrated pest management plan ensures effective mite control and prevents resistance through strategic chemical rotation. Protect your hive with proven methods. #Beekeeping #PestManagement #Honeybees #Apiary #SustainableFarming #ScienceInAction #honeybees #valleybeekeeping http://www.valleybeekeeping.com