Beekeeping

Responsible Honey Harvesting in South Africa Responsible honey harvesting in South Africa starts with a simple rule: bees must come first. A careful bee farmer only removes honey that the colony can afford to lose, while leaving enough food for cold weather, poor forage periods, brood rearing, and colony recovery. This matters because honey is … Read more

Varroa Control Strategies for South African Beekeepers Varroa mites (Varroa destructor) are among the most serious threats to honeybee colonies worldwide. In South Africa, these parasites are a constant challenge for beekeepers, particularly during the seasonal shifts when colonies are vulnerable. Understanding how varroa mites affect bees, how to identify infestations, and what management strategies … Read more

How to Feed Bees: Syrup, Fondant, and Pollen Substitutes Explained Feeding bees is a key management practice in South Africa, especially in winter when natural forage is limited. Knowing when and how to feed ensures colonies survive and thrive. Sugar Syrup Fondant and Dry Sugar Pollen Substitutes Feeding in South African Seasons Risks of Poor … Read more

Insecticides in South Africa and How They Kill Bees Farmers in South Africa use insecticides to protect crops from destructive pests. While these chemicals improve yields, they also pose a major risk to bees, which are essential pollinators for both crops and natural ecosystems. Understanding how insecticides harm bees is critical for sustainable agriculture and … Read more

50 Beehive Terms Every New Hive Owner Should Know Owning a beehive comes with a range of new tools, techniques, and terminology. For beginner beekeepers in South Africa or elsewhere, it is important to understand the technical terms used in beekeeping so you can manage your colony effectively, inspect your hive properly, and communicate clearly … Read more

Natural Honey Comb Beekeeping: Possibilities Beyond Frames In beekeeping, the traditional use of frames inside hives is a standard practice aimed at organizing the bees’ work, simplifying inspections, and facilitating honey harvesting. However, some people who want to do things in sync with Nature ask why the natural design of honeycombs can’t be used for … Read more

Types of Bees in a Beehive and Their Roles Understand the roles and lifespan of queen, worker, and drone bees in a beehive. Learn how tasks are divided and what each bee does to support the hive. This table focuses on the Western honeybee (Apis mellifera), the species most commonly used in beekeeping worldwide, including … Read more