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It is standard practice to move them at least 2 miles, then in a week or two,bring them back to the new location. I have never tried a move as short as 50 yards.

I have had success in moving...

Tough question. It is said that a swarm consists mostly of field bees. I think a swarm may take half the population of a hive. Does that mean the field force is about half the number of bees in...

I think you could that if you move the back of the hive not the entrance. This way the entrance will be in the same place, just at a different angle. I find that I can move hives half the depth or...

Yes, it is about botulism spores. I put the warning on my honey label. Botulism only produces toxin when it grows without oxygen. It will not grow at all in an acid environment. For some reason...

Two or three hundred dead bees? I would say you got off lucky. I have seen two to three quarts of dead bees in front of the hives on occasions. I have never had one of these crop spraying deals...

When I first got into beekeeping, I used to get the packages to build up strong in two deeps, then add a med super. Depending on the season, sometimes they would not put anything in the super, so...

Why do you want your bees in mediums? I am a firm believer in deeps for the brood chamber. I certainly like mediums for honey collection.

Great Picture. I just got my packages yesterday.

The fuel I like is burlap. Used to get burlap bags from animal feed, but it is all packaged in paper or plastic now days. I love it when I can find some old burlap bags. I will buy a couple yards...

I would keep them separate until the new queen gets laying. If you like her, pinch the old queen and unite with news paper, and a queen excluder. You don't want the new queen in the top box. There...

Yes, what fish_stix said.

You can also bend the hooks to a 90 degree angle with pliers before inserting the foundation and nailing in the wedge. I think it is a poor angle of the hooks that...

When I first got into beekeeping I attempted to salvage a few wild colonies. After a bit of experience with that game, I decided: It ain't worth the trouble! Your bait box is a good idea in case...

Just getting in the flight path is enough to get one stung. Mowers making noise and causing vibrations may also cause the bees to investigate and get cranky. Two suggestions, mow after sundown, and...

I would prefer to not disturb the brood nest. Just put the box of foundation on top.

If you have a good strong colony in two deeps, they will almost always start queen cells and swarm unless you take certain steps.
One: check them each week.
Two: When you see queen cells, cut...

This was in Southern Utah. The elevation is around 3000 ft. Just the extreme SW part of the state is low and warm enough for the Africans. (I hope). As soon as you go North as far as Cedar City,...

One thing to beware of is flowers, like dandelions, under the trees.

Nasty Bees

I have an allergic reaction every time I get stung if I don't get some Benadryl in me immediately. It will sometimes go to hives, and I will get swelling that takes a week to go down. The worrisome...

I use a mason jar. I use new lids to get a good seal. I punch 5 small holes in the lid with a nail. The holes only need to be large enough for the bee's tongue. It is important to put the lid on...

Aw, too bad. That is weird though, I have never had a swarm leave a box if the queen went in. We think we can guess what the bees will do, but occasionally we get fooled.

When the new queen comes, I would put the queen cage in the hive between two frames, making sure the screen is between frames not facing one so the bees can tend her and get acquainted. I would...

You have been given some options here. I am remembering my first beekeeping days, and often wondering just how to proceed. Here is just a suggestion on how to manipulate the boxes to get to the...

Yes, you can install them now.