Questions Around Extracting Honey

Harvesting summer honey may sometimes raise more questions for a beekeeper than you might think.  When? How? How much? What if…? Storage solutions? Isn’t there an easier way? Etc.  You could also be thinking about your last extraction experiences.  Undoubtedly there will be some things you’ll want to do again and some you will definitely […]

Spring or Fall Honey: Which is the best and for whom (bees/humans)?

Many would say that honey makes everything better and I would agree. Not only is it a natural sweetener but it also offers several health benefits, including antioxidant properties, which help fight oxidative stress…and it can soothe coughs and sore throats. Additionally, honey has anti-inflammatory effects and may aid in wound healing. These are just […]

Microplastics in Our Hives and Honey Bees

DISCLAIMER: The blog below is generally created from the research listed in the “Referenced Material” section.  This is not my research. All credit is given to these studies and researchers who are helping beekeepers better understand how we can improve our management practices. Microplastics (MPs) are tiny plastic particles (or fibers) that have become widespread […]

Dearth and Colony Impact

DISCLAIMER: The blog below is generally created from the research listed in the “Referenced Material” section.  This is not my research. All credit is given to these studies and researchers who are helping beekeepers better understand how we can improve our management practices. A nectar dearth or simply dearth is a natural seasonal gap when few or […]

Extracting Layens Honey Frames

Below is the process that my wife and I (Wild Hives) take to extract our honey each year.  Many steps may be familiar given that uncapping and extracting honey from comb has been done for thousands of years by those keeping honey bees, but I hope you may find something new and helpful. Enjoy! Pulling […]

Superfood for Honeybees

DISCLAIMER: The blog below is generally created from the research listed in the “Referenced Material” section.  This is not my research. All credit is given to these studies and researchers who are helping beekeepers better understand how we can improve our management practices. Introduction A variety of insects can produce honey — bumblebees, stingless bees, […]

Solstice Splits

Introduction No matter the style of hive or experience as a beekeeper you likely have heard about a nuc or nucleus colony.  Often, it’s regarding purchasing honeybees that come with 4-5 frames of drawn-out comb, honey, brood, worker bees and a queen.  These can range from $180 to $200 plus to purchase.  What if you […]

Honeybee Medicine Cabinet

DISCLAIMER: The blog below is generally created from the research listed in the “Referenced Material” section.  This is not my research. All credit is given to these studies and researchers who are helping beekeepers better understand how we can improve our management practices. Introduction The coevolutionary dependencies between pollinators and plants has enabled pollinators including […]

Fermented Honey Garlic Recipe

Are you tired of being SICK and TIRED?  Making a batch of fermented honey garlic is one of the best things you can do to boost your immune system and be prepared for the cold and flu season. A little bit goes a long way so let’s get ready! Raw honey and garlic are well […]

Properties of Honey

Honey is HYGROSCOPIC: Honey has the ability to absorb and retain moisture.  Because of this property it is able to absorb water-soluble chemicals from plants and is why it’s such a great medium for herbal infusions. Honey is ANTIMICROBIAL / ANTIBACTERIAL / ANTIFUNGAL / ANTIVIRAL An antimicrobial is an agent that kills microorganisms or stops […]