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SnoKing Beekeepers Association
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Where do bees sit?
On their bee-hinds.
eliochel
Apr 261 min read
How fast is the sugar water fermenting in the hive?
Beekeepers keep feed close to the spring broodnest, so that the bees are encouraged to use it. Broodnest temperature must be maintained at 92-94 F. Although feeders are at the top or sides of the broodnest and at therefore at lower temperatures, the temperature is still raised enough to speed fermentation. 2:1 ferments slowly if at all, but 1:1 doesn’t seem to last a week at hivetop temperatures. If the bees are consuming 1:1 fast enough, fermentation is not an issue. Ho
eliochel
Apr 261 min read
Rain dearth in Western Washington
Rain dearth exists also in other areas but is often ignored in beekeeping manuals, whereas drought dearth is usually discussed. In Western Washington, bees experience far more days of rain dearth than drought dearth. In fact, in Western Washington, drought dearth is often broken up by opportune rain showers reinvigorating the nectar-producing summer blooms. Rain dearth has the greatest impact on honey bee management when it slows hive population buildup before a major flow. R
eliochel
Apr 261 min read
Why should you never play hide and seek with the swarm?
Because they will always wind up bee-hind you.
eliochel
Apr 251 min read
What do bees do when their friends move into a new hive?
They throw them a house swarming party.
eliochel
Apr 241 min read
What did the bee in the hot tub say?
Swarm in here.
eliochel
Apr 231 min read
What do bees do with their honey?
They cell it.
eliochel
Apr 221 min read
Who was the first bee to go into space?
Buzz Aldrin.
eliochel
Apr 211 min read
What do you call a bee who’s always complaining?
A grumble bee.
eliochel
Apr 201 min read
What do you say to a nosey bee?
Mind your own buzziness.
eliochel
Apr 191 min read
How to care for a poor quality nuc:
A nuc should contain a queen and at least 2 frames brood, about 2 frames honey and pollen stores, and the 5th frame is supplier’s choice, possibly empty, even blank without drawn comb. There should be enough bees to cover or work all frames. If you have received a substandard nuc, one containing fewer bees or resources, boost and protect that colony to prevent its failure. If you have other healthy hives or another well-stocked nuc that can spare even a little brood and
eliochel
Apr 191 min read


Nuc or package pickup Tip #2 Which openings of nuc container should be open or blocked?
With various kinds of nucs (cardboard, plastic, wood), it is not always clear which openings are for ventilation and which are entrances. Before placing a nuc in vehicle, be sure all entrances are closed and the ventilation openings are not blocked. Ask for help from the supplier if you are not sure.
eliochel
Apr 191 min read
What does a forager say when she returns to the hive?
“Honey, I’m home.”
eliochel
Apr 181 min read


Nuc or package pickup Tip #2 Which openings of nuc container should be open or blocked?
With various kinds of nucs (cardboard, plastic, wood), it is not always clear which openings are for ventilation and which are entrances. Before placing a nuc in vehicle, be sure all entrances are closed and the ventilation openings are not blocked. Ask for help from the supplier if you are not sure.
eliochel
Apr 181 min read
Why do roads built by bees not last very long?
They build them with nec-tar.
eliochel
Apr 171 min read


Nuc or package pickup Tip #4 Although you should ask all possible questions BEFORE the pickup . .
Although you should ask all possible questions BEFORE the pickup time, do not leave with the nuc or package without asking about the release of the queen. Unless you are sure the queen has been already released, you need to know how to release the queen if she is still caged. Usually, the queen is slowly released as bees remove a candy plug. However, when a queen is placed in the nuc or package, the candy plug may not be exposed until a tape or a cap or some procedure is perf
eliochel
Apr 171 min read
Where did Noah keep his bees?
In the archives.
eliochel
Apr 161 min read
What do you call someone who wants a pet bee?
A wanna-bee.
eliochel
Apr 151 min read
What is unusual about beekeeper weddings?
Everyone wears a veil, not just the bride.
eliochel
Apr 141 min read
Spring has sprung, but the bees are not swarming . . .
Could this be caused by global warming?
eliochel
Apr 131 min read
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